Udupi Ramachandra Rao

Every national space program rests on four pillars – visionary leadership, unwavering political and economic commitment, realistic ambitions and a deep acknowledgement that fundamental science is the essential bedrock for a successful and enduring space program.

The central role of science was recognized and embedded at the outset by all nations, including James Webb in the USA, Professor U.R. Rao in India, Hideo Itokawa in Japan, Shen Shui-Zen in China, and Misliev Keldysh in the USSR.

Professor Ji Wu in has continued that tradition of putting science first.

In this interview, recorded during COSPAR 2026 in Florence, he talks about his priorities of science, international collaboration, and the profound significance of adherence to systems engineering.