Hyderabad, April 2 -- If India has emerged today amongst the global leaders in remote sensing satellite technology and data, a good part of the credit should go to Wing Commander (retired) K R Rao.

As the founder director of the Hyderabad-based National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), it was Rao's remarkable leadership and commitment that helped build the facilities, technology, and expertise to launch Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS) and later exploit the natural resources for development.

Another significant achievement of Keshavamurthy Ramachandra Rao (K R Rao) that put India on the Space Communications map of the world was the successful installation and operational of the 97 ft, steerable antenna in the Arvi Satellite Communica...