Washington, DC: Former ISRO Chairman Prof UR Rao became the first Indian to be given the ‘Hall of Fame’ award by the International Astronautical Federation ( IAF ). An Isro press note issued said that the award has been given for his “outstanding contribution to the progress of astronautics within the framework of the IAF activities.”
“The IAF award is intended to reward personalities for their contributions to the progress of astronautics and the Federation,” the release added. Speaking to TOI Prof UR Rao said: “I don’t know who nominated me.” Rao, who refrained from speaking more about the award, spoke of what new things needs to be implemented to take the Indian space programme to the next level. The IAF, in a letter to Rao, has said: “It is a true honour for IAF to attribute this award to Prof Rao, who have been for many years an active participant to the success of space in general and of the Federation in particular’.
The IAF Hall of Fame consists of a permanent gallery of these personalities, including a citation, biographical information, and a picture, in a special part of the IAF web presence. This year’s 67th International Astronautical Congress will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico in September, where Rao will receive the award.