Asian
American
Engineer of the Year Award
2008
Dr. Sudhakar K. Rao
Introduction
People all over the
world—from local television viewers to soldiers on the battlefield—benefit from
the technical accomplishments and innovations of Dr. Sudhakar K. Rao. In his 33-year career,
spanning four countries on three continents, he has become an internationally
recognized expert in antenna systems used for multiple-beam and reconfigurable-beam
payloads for satellite communications.
His journey started in
the villages of India. Growing up, he was inspired first by his father’s
stories about famous scientists in India and later by a mathematics teacher who
gave him the self-confidence to tackle difficult problems.
Key challenges in his
career path were tremendous competition for college admission (the acceptance
rate at top schools was 1 in 1,000), a shortage of computer facilities, and
limited financial aid. The lack of computers turned out to be a boon to
engineering students because most of their advanced work had to be done
analytically, which improved both their analytical and conceptual skills.
Sudhakar received
National Merit Scholarships from the government of India from grade 11 until
completion of his PhD. He graduated from high school with a rank of 11
statewide and received his bachelor’s degree with distinction. His graduate
work focused on development of an antenna feed system and application of
diffraction techniques to complex radiation problems, fueling a passion for what
has become more than three decades of research, innovation, and advancement in the
field of satellite communications.
Over the years he has
honed a unique ability to analyze complex technical problems and to work with
other engineers to deliver appropriate solutions for complex payload design and
implementation issues.
Education
Degrees
BS, Electrical Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Warangal, India, 1974
MS, Electrical Engineering, India Institute of Technology, Kharaghpur, India,1976
PhD, Electrical Engineering, India Institute of Technology, Madras, India,1980
Leadership and Professional
Training
w Attended Lockheed Martin Technical Fellow Conference and gave a technical presentation, Dallas, Texas, 2007
w Attended Lockheed Martin technical leadership meeting, Savannah, Georgia, 2007
w Attended Boeing executive leadership meeting, El Segundo, California, 2002
w Completed advanced course on “Phased Array Antennas,” University of California at Los Angeles, 1988
Professional Achievements
Innovation in
Technology
Dr. Sudhakar Rao is a
prolific inventor with 30 U.S. Patents to his credit. Since December 2003, he
has been employed at Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems in Newtown,
Pennsylvania, providing technical leadership for all payload engineering, new
business proposals and programs, and interfacing with other divisions of
Lockheed Martin. His overall knowledge of satellite operators, customers,
industry, and hardware suppliers puts him in an advantageous position to lead
proposals and determine appropriate payload designs.
Dr. Rao is responsible for developing state-of-the-art technology
for multiple-beam payloads for personal communications, direct broadcast,
mobile, and military communications satellites. This technology provides
superior payload performance, enabling a twofold increase in satellite
capacity. He also is responsible for developing reconfigurable payloads for
future satellites that will provide on-orbit flexibility for satellite
operators in terms of reconfiguring the beam shape and/or locating a failed or
aging satellite in a different orbit slot. Current activities include several
new business opportunities for both domestic and international satellite
operators, internal research and development (IRAD) planning, and program consultancy.
Dr. Rao’s
engineering career began in his native India. At two companies, Electronics and
Radar Development Establishment in Bangalore and the Electronics Corporation of
India in Hyderabad, he designed and developed large antennas for line-of-sight
and tropospheric communications links, and an X-band space-fed phased array
system for an airborne radar. He was responsible for design, range test, and
delivery of the large antennas providing a microwave link to the Indian Post
& Telegraph department and later for the analysis and hardware design of
the first phased array radar system in India.
In between these jobs, he
completed his PhD at the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras, developing a
dual-band feed system for the Indian
Space Research Organization and performing research on diffraction techniques. His
research was fundamental in developing the Geometrical Theory of Diffraction as
applied to solving complex radiation problems of various practical horn
antennas. It also led to publication of
12 technical papers in international journals. One of the papers was
reprinted in an IEEE Press Book titled “Geometrical Theory of Diffraction,” which
was edited by Prof. R.C. Hansen, in 1981.
Moving to Norway, Dr. Rao
served as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Trondheim. There he
learned efficient ways of applying research to practical utilization in areas
such as large radio-astronomy reflector antennas and meniscus-lens corrected
feeds. He also developed reflector and feed analysis software codes based on
geometrical theory of diffraction, and published six technical papers. His next
position was in North America, working as a research associate in the
Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg,
Canada. He performed advanced research on phase center analysis of reflector
antennas and low-sidelobe sandwich wire antennas, which was later used in
developing a commercial software package. He also mentored and guided graduate students
at the university.
From 1983 to 1996, Dr.
Rao was the staff scientist responsible for all antenna IRAD and antenna
products, proposals, and programs at Spar Aerospace Limited in
Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada. a key
achievement was modeling complex radiation pattern templates for satellite
payloads that were adopted in 1992 by the Comite
Consultatif International des Radio Communications (CCIR), a forerunner of the International
Telecommunication Union. These templates have become an international standard
in the design and manufacture of satellite antennas and for orbital planning of
satellites.
Dr. Rao led a
group of 20 engineers who developed antenna payloads for the International
Space Station, M-Sat (the world’s first mobile satellite), several commercial
satellites (Anik-E, InmarSat-2, ACeS, TeleCom-2, Brazilsat), and Advanced
Extremely High Frequency military satellites. In collaboration with
universities and industries, Dr. Rao managed and developed active array
technology in Canada and provided technical and management leadership for a
group of 50 engineers, technicians, and researchers. This multi-year,
multi-million-dollar contract resulted in successful software development and a
hardware demonstration on a Ka-band phased array system. He also developed engineering
guidelines for systematic design and analysis of satellite antenna payloads and components and was
responsible for state-of-the art antenna test facilities for both indoor and
outdoor ranges at Spar.
In 1996 Dr. Rao emigrated
from Canada to the United States to work for Boeing Satellite Systems/Hughes
Satellite Communications in El Segundo, Calif., as chief scientist and technical fellow for the antenna payload directorate.
He was the chief payload architect for the Wideband Gapfiller Satellite (WGS)
proposal, which later became a $1.3 billion program for the U.S. Air Force. He
also led the development of X-band phased
array technology and Ka-band reconfigurable beam technology that provides
high-capacity satellite links to military personnel
all over the world. WGS satellites are designed to augment defense
communications services currently provided by the Defense Satellite
Communications System and the Global Broadcasting Service as well as provide
high-capacity, two-way Ka-band service in support of U.S. deployed forces.
Dr. Rao was the chief
engineer designing the first local-channel broadcast satellite, DTV-4S for
DirecTV, enabling television reception in remote areas. His team received an
Emmy nomination in 2000 for this technology. Another significant accomplishment
was initiating and developing the 601 Block 2 spacecraft, which can accommodate
six large antenna apertures on one satellite. It was
later used on several satellites including NSS-8, DTV-10, and DTV-11.
Dr. Rao also
developed advanced multiple beam satellites for Sirius-4, AMC-19, ViaSat, WildBlue,
and Eutelsat, doubling their capacity by using stepped reflectors and
high-efficiency horns that work at both transmit and receive frequencies.
Deciding
to concentrate his efforts on commercial satellite communications, Dr. Rao
accepted a position at Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems. From 2003 to
2006, he was the division fellow responsible for new business payload
proposals, payload IRAD, and program troubleshooting. His IRAD accomplishments
included several new technologies—such as high-efficiency horns,
stepped-reflector antennas, trifurcated horns, integrated feed assemblies,
non-focused reflector systems, and high-performance multi-beam payloads—now
used on Sirius-4, VinaSat, ViaSat, EutelSat, and military satellites. His patented novel feed designs, used on several space
programs, improve antenna efficiency by about 30 percent over conventional
feeds. These advancements resulted in much superior performance, leading
to doubling the capacity throughput of the satellites while reducing the
payload cost by about 20 percent.
One of Dr. Rao’s
challenges in the commercial space business involved a customer that wanted
high-power thermal vacuum testing of a payload with the horns installed on its
broadcasting satellites. Within three months, he developed a novel method of
testing that offered cost savings of about $600,000 per satellite. It was
successfully implemented on three spacecraft (ASTRA-1KR, ASTRA-1L, and
Sirius-4) and baselined for all future satellites.
Another innovation is the
use of a non-focused reflector antenna with an active feed array involving
phase-only synthesis of beam patterns. This Lockheed Martin-award winning
patent has become the basis for several commercial and government programs that
require either extensive beam reconfiguration or large global coverage for both
geostationary (GEO) and high inclined elleiptical orbit (HIEO) satellites.
Other cost-saving
innovations included development of an efficient payload that integrated the
filters and test couplers as part of the feed assembly instead of repeater
payload, yielding net savings of $6 million per satellite, more than 22
kilograms of payload mass savings, and about 5 percent better performance. Dr.
Rao also has filed patents for two advanced concepts for multiple beam
satellite antennas that can reduce the complexity of future satellites by about
50 percent and cost by
40 percent.
Other
Contributions to Engineering
Dr.
Rao’s contributions to the engineering community extend beyond development of
innovations. He has given international lectures on satellite communications,
antenna design and development, feed and reflector technologies, and multi-beam
payloads. He has served as a consultant for
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; European Space Agency;
Canadian Department of Communications; several U.S. government programs,
including the Global Positioning System, Mobile User Objective System, and
classified programs; international organizations; and telecommunications
companies.
As a member of the Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company
Intellectual Property Review Board, Dr. Rao has reviewed and selected patents
for filing from engineers and researchers throughout the company. As a
technical consultant to supply-chain management, he developed specifications
for antenna products, reviewed proposals from various vendors, and provided
technical feedback for the selection of vendors for antenna products and
components.
At Boeing, Dr. Rao served for two years on the selection board of the Technical Fellowship Committee. He also worked with three major vendors that successfully developed hardware on four critical programs.
Extending his expertise
to the next generation of engineers, Dr. Rao has mentored more than 40
engineers who currently hold responsible positions in aerospace companies
around the world. At Lockheed Martin, he developed an antenna group by
identifying key individuals, influencing them to join the company, and later
mentoring them. As a result, the antenna new business group is considered the
best in the industry.
Dr. Rao taught graduate
courses in satellite communications at McGill and Concordia Universities in
Canada, an undergraduate course on electromagnetic theory at the Indian Institute
of Technology in Madras, and several advanced training courses and technical
seminars at various companies. He also has supervised four master’s theses and
served as the external examiner for 20 master’s and five doctoral theses.
In his mentoring
relationships, Dr. Rao conveys his main work ethics: “Lead by example” and “Do
what you say.” His hard-working style also has motivated mentees who come to
him for advice on technical as well as personal issues. And he always finds
time to listen and to help his mentees.
Mentoring young engineers over the years has been
fulfilling and a learning experience. The best award I got was from one of my
mentees: a memento with my name and the inscription “The Greatest Mentor.”
Professional Societies and
Committees
w IEEE Fellow, 2006 – Present
w IEEE Senior Fellow, 1997 – 2005
w Reviewer of IEEE Transactions on Antennas & Propagation, 1985 – Present
w Technical Program Committee (TPC) member, IEEE Antennas & Propagation International Symposium, 2003 – 2007
w IEEE Admission & Advancement committee member to select senior members, Philadelphia, PA, 2006
w Invited by European Space Agency and ESTEC to convene and chair session on “Advanced Payloads for Communications and Navigation Satellites,” European Conference on Antennas & Propagation “EuCAP 2006” in Nice, France, 2006
w Member of Canadian Society of Electrical Engineers, 1984 – 1996. As technical review board member, reviewed articles for Canadian Journal of Electrical Engineers
w IEEE Member, 1982 – 1996
w Vice Chairman, ANTEM’92 International Conference, Winnipeg, Canada, 1992
w Chaired more than 30 technical sessions in the international conferences by IEEE, IEE, ANTEM, etc.
Professional Accomplishments
In 2006 Dr. Rao was named a Lockheed Martin
Senior Fellow. This title is reserved for one-tenth
of one percent of the corporation’s technical population, employees who are
recognized as “go to” subject matter experts in technical areas critical to the
corporation’s success and to the mission objectives of its customers.
Also in 2006, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers granted Dr. Rao the IEEE Fellow Award “for contributions to multiple beam and reconfigurable beam antenna payloads for communication satellites.” Less than 0.1 percent of IEEE membership is elected worldwide for this honor.
Other significant accomplishments include:
w 119 technical publications and technical reports. Published in international journals and conference proceedings, many of these papers are being used or referred to by researchers and engineers from both academia and industries around the world.
w 30 patents—22 awarded and 8 pending. Most of these patents have been used on military and communications satellites.
w Numerous honors and awards for innovations and advancements in satellite communications payloads.
In addition to pioneering the development of DirecTV-4S and WGS military communications satellites, below are two examples of Dr. Rao’s work that made a global impact. Patents are pending for these recent innovative technologies.
Advanced Dual-Band Multiple-Beam (DMBA) Antenna. This product doubles the capacity of direct broadcast satellites and personal communication satellites when compared to conventional payloads. In addition, DMBA antennas simultaneously support both downlink and uplink signals, requiring half the number of reflector antenna apertures and corresponding feed horns and resulting in a cost savings of about $10 million per satellite.
Reconfigurable Payload Using a Non-Focused Reflector Antenna. Recent new business proposals required on-orbit re-configurability of the beam shape for highly inclined elliptical orbit (HIEO) and geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) satellites that require beam shape and beam location re-configurability. His team developed an innovative solution using a non-focused reflector and a feed array with low-level beam-forming network. This invention requires four times fewer feed horns compared to current mobile satellites, reduces loss due to dividing/combining networks at low level, and is ideal for high-power applications due to distributed amplification.
Publications
Technical Publications
1.
K.K. Chan and
S. Rao, “Design of High Efficiency Circular Horn Feeds for Multibeam Reflector
Application,” IEEE Transactions on Antennas & Propagation, AP0702-0131, to
be published in January 2008
2.
K.K. Chan and
S. Rao, “An Accurate Model for Rectangular Trifurcated Horns,” IEEE
Transactions on Antennas & Propagation, AP0701-0049, to be published in
December 2007
3.
S. Rao, M.
Tang, and C. Hsu, “Reconfigurable Antenna System for Satellite Communications,”
IEEE Antennas & Propagation Society International Symposium, Honolulu, HI,
June 2007, pp. 3157–3160
4.
S. Rao, C.
Lee-Yow, and P. Venezia, “A Novel Method for High-Power Thermal Vacuum Testing
of Satellite Payloads Using Pickup Horns,”
IEEE Antennas & Propagation Magazine, Vol- 49, pp. 134–145, June 2007
5.
N. Goodzeit
and S. Rao, “Overview of Recent LM Commercial Space Systems Innovations,”
invited to present at the Lockheed Martin Technical Fellows Conference, Grapevine,
TX, 18–21 March 2007
6.
S. Rao, M.
Tang, C. Hsu, and J. Wang, “Advanced Antenna Technologies for Satellite
Communications Payloads,” invited paper for EuCap 2006 International Conference
on
Antennas & Propagation, Nice, France, November 2006
7.
S. Rao, M.
Tang, and C. Hsu, “Multiple Beam Antenna Technology for Satellite
Communications Payloads,” invited paper for special issue on Phased and
Adaptive Array Antennas, Applied
Computational Electromagnetics Society Journal (ACES), Vol. 21, pp. 353–364, November 2006
8.
S. Rao and M.
Tang, “Stepped-Reflector Antenna for Dual-Band Communications Payloads,” IEEE
Antennas & Propagation Society International Symposium, Albuquerque, NM,
July 2006, pp. 4401–4404
9.
S. Rao, C.
Lee-Yow, and P. Venezia, “Pick-Up Horn for High Power TVAC Test of Spacecraft
Payloads for Communication Satellites,” IEEE Antennas & Propagation Society
International Symposium, Albuquerque, NM, July 2006, pp. 3133-3136
10. K.K. Chan and S. Rao, “Modal Analysis of
Trifurcated Horn,” IEEE Antennas & Propagation Society International
Symposium, Albuquerque, NM, July 2006, pp. 3157–3160
11. S. Rao and M. Tang, “Stepped-Reflector Antenna for
Dual-Band Multiple Beam Satellite Communications Payloads,” IEEE Transactions
on Antennas & Propagation, Vol. 54, pp. 801–811,
March 2006
12. S. Rao, K.K. Chan, and M. Tang, “Dual-Band
Multiple Beam Antenna System for Satellite Communications,” IEEE Antennas &
Propagation Society International Symposium, Washington, DC, July 2005
13. S. Rao, “Parametric Design and Analysis of
Multiple-Beam Reflector Antennas for Satellite Communications,” IEEE Antennas & Propagation Magazine, Vol-45, pp.26–34, August 2003
14. K.K. Chan & S. Rao, “Design of a Rotman Lens
Feed Network to Generate a Hexagonal Lattice of Multiple Beams,” IEEE
Transactions on Antennas & Propagation, pp.1099–1107, August 2002
15. S. Rao, “Parametric Design of Multiple Beam
Reflector Antennas,” IEEE APS/URSI Symposium, San Antonio, TX, pp. 650–653, June 2002
16. K.K. Chan & S. Rao, “A Rotman Lens Feed
Network for a Hexagonal Array of Oversized Radiating Elements,” IEEE APS/URSI
Symposium, Salt Lake City, UT, pp. 202–205,
July 2000
17. S. Rao, “Design and Analysis of Multiple-Beam
Reflector Antennas,” IEEE Antennas &
Propagation Magazine, Vol-41, pp. 53–59,
August 1999
18. S. Rao, “Gaussian Beam Analysis of Multiple Beam
Reflector Antennas,” IEEE APS/URSI Symposium, Atlanta, GA, pp. 2078–2081, June 1998
19. K.K. Chan & S. Rao, “A Wide Band
Dual-Polarized Antenna Array for Satellite Communications,” IEEE APS/URSI
Symposium, Atlanta, GA, pp. 7–10, June
1998
20. H. Kobeissi, D. Drolet, K. Wu, M. Stubbs, G.
Larralde & S. Rao, “High-Temperature Superconducting Beamforming Network
for Communication Satellite,” IEEE Transaction on Applied Superconductivity,
Vol.7, pp. 33–39, March 1997
21. S. Rao, K. Chan, M. Tang & P. Takats, “Antenna
Payload Design for Advanced Satcom Satellites,” ANTEM Symposium on Antenna
Technology & Applied Electromagnetics, Montreal, QC, Canada, pp. 587–590, August 1996
22. K. Chan, S. Rao, G. Morin & M. Tang,
“Triangular Ray Tube Analysis of Dielectric Lens Antenna,” ANTEM Symposium on
Antenna Technology & Applied Electromagnetics, Montreal, QC, Canada, pp.
583–586, August 1996
23. J. Wang, K. Chan, M. Cuchanski & S. Rao, “
Direct Radiating Array for MEO Communication Satellites,” ANTEM Symposium on
Antenna Technology & Applied Electromagnetics, Montreal, QC, Canada, pp.
579–582, August 1996
24. S. Rao, G. Morin, M. Tang, S. Richard & K.K.
Chan, “Development of a 45 GHz Multiple-Beam Antenna for Military Satellite
Communications,” IEEE Transactions on Antennas & Propagation, Vol. 43, pp.
1036–1047, October 1995
25. M. Tang, K.K. Chan, G. Morin & S. Rao, “EHF
Multiple Beam Dielectric Lens Antenna” IEEE APS/URSI Symposium, Newport Beach,
CA, June 1995
26. S. Rao, M. Cuchanski & M. Tang, “Multiple Beam
Antenna Concepts for Satellite Communications,” ANTEM Symposium on Antenna
Technology & Applied Electromagnetics, Ottawa, ON, Canada, pp. 289–292, August 1994
27. M. Cuchanski, S. Rao, M. Tang & P. Takats,
“Advanced Satcom Antenna Design Tradeoffs,” ANTEM Symposium on Antenna Technology
& Applied Electromagnetics, Ottawa, ON, Canada, pp. 281–288, August 1994
28. M. Tang, S. Rao, M. Cuchanski & R. Pokuls,
“Shaped Reflector Antennas for Satellite Communications,” ANTEM Symposium on
Antenna Technology & Applied Electromagnetics, Ottawa, ON, Canada, pp. 267–270, August 1994
29. K. Chan, S. Rao & G. Morin, “Some Aspects of
Dielectric Lens Design,” ANTEM Symposium on Antenna Technology & Applied
Electromagnetics, Ottawa, ON, Canada, pp. 263–
266, August 1994
30. J. Uher, R. Pokuls & S. Rao, “Dual Polarized
C-Band Patch Array with Low Cross- Polarization,” ANTEM Symposium on Antenna
Technology & Applied Electromagnetics, Ottawa, ON, Canada, pp. 133–136, August 1994
31. K.K. Chan, S. Rao & G. Morin, “Some Aspects of
Dielectric Lens Design,” Proceedings of the 17th European Space
Agency Antenna Workshop: Lens Antennas, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, July 1994
32. S. Rao, K.K. Chan, J. Moffat & G. Morin, “A
High Efficiency 60 GHz Beam Waveguide Antenna System for Inter-Satellite
Links,” IEEE APS/URSI Symposium, Seattle, WA, pp. 882–885, June 1994
33. G. Morin, S. Rao & K.K. Chan, “Experimental
Low-Sidelobe Multibeam Antenna at Millimeter-Wave Frequencies,” IEEE APS/URSI
Symposium, Seattle, WA, pp. 2062–2065,
June 1994
34. K.K. Chan, M. Tang, S. Rao & R. Martin,
“Confocal Parabolic Reflector Antenna Design Trade-Offs,” IEEE AP-S
International Symposium, Detroit, Michigan, pp. 808–811, June 1993
35. S. Rao, G. Goyette, H. Gauvin & S. Rachard,
“Reconfigurable L-Band Active Array Antennas for Satellite Communications,” Canadian Journal of Electrical &
Computer Engineering, Vol-17, pp. 120–129,
1992
36. R. Fralich, G. Goyette, S. Rao & S. Rheault,
“Space-Qualified Circularly-Polarized Subarray for Satellite Communications,”
ANTEM Symposium on Antenna Technology & Applied Electromagnetics, Winnipeg,
MB, Canada, pp. 97–102, August 1992
37. S. Rao, G. Morin & K.K. Chan, “Multiple Beam
Antenna Design for the Canadian EHF Satcom,” IEEE AP-S International Symposium,
London, Ontario, pp. 1682–1685, June 1991
38. G. Morin, E. Felstead, S. Rao & K.K. Chan, “Status
of the Canadian Military Multibeam Antenna Development for EHF Satcom, Canadian
Conference on Electrical & Computer Engineering, Ottawa, ON, Canada, pp.
62.1.1–62.1.3, September 1990
39. S. Rao, M. Tang, K.K. Chan & G. Morin,
“Comparison of Multi-Beam Receive Antenna Configurations for EHF Satellite
Communications,” ANTEM Symposium on Antenna Technology & Applied
Electromagnetics, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, pp. 94–99,
August 1990
40. D. Nguyen & S. Rao, “Antenna Design for a
Multi-frequency Imaging Microwave Radiometer,” ANTEM Symposium on Antenna
Technology & Applied Electromagnetics, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, pp. 70–75, August 1990
41. S. Rao, H. Gauvin, G. Goyette & S. Richard, “A
Reconfigurable L-Band Active Array for Satellite Communications,” ANTEM
Symposium on Antenna Technology & Applied Electromagnetics, Winnipeg, MB,
Canada, pp. 51–57, August 1990
42. S. Rao, “A Simple Dual-Band Corrugated Horn with
Low Cross Polarization,” IEEE Transactions on Antennas & Propagation, Vol-38, pp.
946–951, June 1990
43. G. Gupta, M. Tang, S. Rao & C. Mok, “Design
& Trade-off Study for Intelsat 7
C-Band Antenna System, SMBO International Microwave Symposium, Sao Paulo,
Brazil, pp. 207–212, July 1989
44. S. Rao, “A Template for Shaped-Beam Satellite
Antenna Patterns,” IEEE Transactions on
Antennas & Propagation, Vol-36, pp. 1633–1637,
November 1988
45. S. Rao & L. Shafai, “Array factor
Considerations of Space-Fed Planar Phased Arrays,” Canadian Electrical Engineering Journal, Vol. 12, pp. 61–66, 1987
46. S. Rao & H. Moody, “Modeling of Shaped Beam
Satellite Antenna Patterns,” IEEE Transactions on Antennas & Propagation, Vol-35, pp.
632–642, June 1987
47. S. Rao & I. Karlsson, “Low Sidelobe Design
Considerations of Large Linear Array Antennas with Contiguous Subarrays,” IEEE
Transactions on Antennas & Propagation, Vol-35, pp. 361–366, April 1987
48. S. Rao, “Analysis of the Radiation Characteristics
of Partially Dielectric Loaded Conical Horns,” IEEE Montech Conference on
Antennas & Communications, pp. 135–138,
September 1986
49. S. Rao & H. Moody, “A New Parametric Template
for Shaped Beam Satellite Antenna Patterns,” IEEE APS/URSI Symposium,
Philadelphia, PA, pp. 173-176, June 1986
50. S. Rao & P. Kildal, “A Study of the
Diffraction and Blockage Effects on the Efficiency of the Cassegrain Antenna,” Canadian Electrical Engineering Journal,
Vol.9, pp. 10–15, 1984
51. P. Kildal, K. Jacobson & S. Rao,
“Meniscus-Lens-Corrected Corrugated Conical Horn: A Compact Horn for a
Cassegrain Antenna,” Proceedings IEE on
Microwave Optics and Antennas, Pt. H, December 1984
52. S. Rao, “Radiation Characteristics of Shaped
Conical Horns,” Canadian Electrical
Engineering Journal, pp. 105–111,
July 1984
53. S. Rao & L. Shafai, “Phase Center Calculation
of Reflector Antenna Feeds,” IEEE Transactions on
Antennas & Propagation, Vol-32, pp. 740–742,
July 1984
54. S. Rao, J. Kopal, M. Tang & S. Gupta, “A High
Performance Circularly Polarized Feed Array for Satellite Communication
Antennas,” IEEE APS/URSI Symposium, San Jose, CA, pp. 1420–1423, June 1984
55. A. Kishk, L. Shafai & S. Rao, “Optimum Phase
Center of Primary Feeds and Dependence of its Location on the Corrugation
Shape,” IEEE APS/URSI Symposium, Boston, MA, pp. 612–615, June 1984
56. S. Rao & L. Shafai, “Phase Center of Reflector
Antenna Feeds,” IEEE APS/URSI Symposium, Boston, MA, pp. 478–481, June 1984
57. S. Rao & L. Shafai, “Radiation Characteristics
of Space-Fed Planar Phased Arrays,” International Electrical & Electronic
Conference, Toronto, ON, Canada, pp. 394–397,
September 1983
58. S. Rao & L. Shafai, “GTD Analysis of the
Cross-polar Radiated Fields of Corrugated Conical Horns,” International
Electrical & Electronic Conference, Toronto, ON, Canada, pp. 406–409, September 1983
59. S. Rao, “On the Collimation Phase Error
Computation of a Space-Fed Planar Phased Array,” IEEE Transactions on Antennas
& Propagation, Vol-31, pp. 154–156,
January 1983
60. S. Rao, “GTD Parametric Study of the Hyperboloid
Scattering in a Cassegrain Antenna,” European Microwave Conference, Helsinki,
Finland, 1982
61. S. Rao, “A Note on the UGTD Analysis of the
Radiation Pattern of Conical Horns,” Journal
of the Institution of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineers, Vol.
28, pp. 608–609, 1982
62. S. Rao,” GTD Parametric Study of the Hyperboloid
Scattering in a Cassegrain Antenna,” 12th European Microwave
Conference, Helsinki, Finland, September 1982
63. S. Rao, “Radiation Characteristics of Conical
Horns with Shaped E-Plane Edges,” IEEE International Symposium on Antennas
& Propagation, Albuquerque, NM, pp. 95-98, June 1982
64. S. Rao, “Collimation Error in a Space-Fed Phased
Array,” Journal of Electro-Technology,
India, pp. 43–49, December 1980
65. M. Narasimhan & S. Rao, “GTD Analysis of the
E-Plane Patterns of Conical Horns,” IEEE Transactions on Antennas &
Propagation, Vol-28, pp. 715–717,
September 1980
66. M. Narasimhan & S. Rao, “GTD Analysis of the
Near-Field Patterns of Pyramidal Horns,” Proceedings
IEE on Microwave Optics and Antennas, Vol-26, pp. 1223–1226, December 1979
67. M. Narasimhan & S. Rao, “GTD Analysis of the
Near-Field Patterns of Conical and Corrugated Conical Horns,” IEEE Transactions
on Antennas
& Propagation, Vol-27, pp. 705–708, September 1979
68. A. Goel, S. Rao & P. Sharma, “Semi-conductor
Devise Characteristics Curve Tracer,” Journal
of the Institute of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineers, India,
Vol. 23, 1977
Technical
Reports
1.
S. Rao,
“Design of Grids for Dual-Gridded Reflector Antennas,” Boeing’s IR&D
Report, March 2001
2.
S. Rao,
“Phased Array White Paper,” prepared and submitted to U.S. Air Force as part of
the HSC Proposal on Wideband Gapfiller, November 2000
3.
S. Rao,
“Breadboard Development of a Rotman Lens Beamformer Feeding a Planar Array,”
Boeing’s IR&D Report, November 2000
4.
S. Rao, C.
Hsu & A. Bhattacharyya, “Multiple Beam Reflector Antenna Design &
Analysis Using High and Low Efficiency Feeds,” BSS IR&D Report, September
2000
5.
S. Rao et
al., “Intelsat Broadband Scanning Spot Beam Antennas,” Technical Proposal
submitted to Intelsat, February 2000
6.
S. Rao et
al., “DirecTV-4S Technical Proposal,” October 1999
7.
S. Rao,
“Array Antenna Design & Analysis for Multi-Beam Applications,” HSC IR&D
Report, June 1998
8.
S. Rao, P.
Law, G. Goyette & J. Wang, “Development of a Ku-Band Reconfigurable Direct
Radiating Array,” HSC Internal R&D, Final Report, # TA-10-97-085, December
1997
9.
S. Rao,
“Design & Analysis of Multiple Beam Reflector Antennas,” HSC IR&D
Report, August 1997
10. M. Cuchanski & S. Rao, “Analysis of Impact of
Excitation Errors on the Copolar Performance of Odyssey Rx Array,” Spar
Aerospace Limited, Canada,
RML-009-96- 015, February 1996
11. S. Rao, J. Kopal, M. Cuchanski & A. Csaki,
“Odyssey L-Band Direct Radiating Array Breadboard Development,” Spar Aerospace
Limited, Final Report, # RML-009-95- 149 submitted to TRW Space &
Electronics Group as part of the contract, December 1995
12. J. Kopal & S. Rao, “Design Guidelines for
Antenna Radiators,” Spar Aerospace Ltd., Internal R&D, Report # ES-201-02,
December 1995
13. J. Wang, G. Larralde & S. Rao, “Beamforming
Technology for Multiple Beam Antenna (MBA) at EHF (45 GHz & 30 GHz): Final
Report,” Spar Aerospace Limited, Canada, RML-009-95-149, December 1995
14. S. Rao, J. Kopal, M. Cuchanski & A. Csaki,
“Odyssey L-Band Direct Radiating Array Breadboard Development: Final Report,”
Spar Aerospace Limited, Canada, RML-009- 95-149, December 1995
15. S. Rao, J. Kopal, M. Tang, S. Richard & J.
Wang, “L & S Band Antenna Development (Phase II),” Spar Aerospace Limited
Internal R&D, Report # RML-009-95-081, June 1995
16. S. Rao, K.K. Chan, M. Tang & J. Kopal, “EHF
Satcom Project: Development of Diectric Lens Multibeam Antenna,” submitted to
Canadian Department of National Defense from Spar Aerospace Limited, Contract #
W8477-1-TE10/01-SV, March 1995
17. S. Rao, J. Wang, J. Kopal, M. Tang, M. Cuchanski
& J. Cols, “Antenna Payload Development for Future Mobile Personal
Communication Satellites at S/L Bands,” Spar Aerospace Ltd. Internal R&D
Report, # RML-009-94-088, November 1994
18. M. Tang, S. Rao & J. Kopal, “Development of a
C-Band Dual-Gridded Shaped Reflector Antenna,” Spar Aerospace Internal R&D
Report, # RML-009-94-092, November 1994
19. J. Kopal & S. Rao, “High Performance 60 GHz
Tracking Feed for Intersatellite Links,” Spar Aerospace Limited, Canada,
RML-009-94-076, November 1994
20. P. Ilott, J. Kopal & S. Rao, “Near-Field
Measurement Test Report on Radarsat
X-Band Flight Antenna,” Spar Aerospace Limited, Canada, RML-009-93-151, June
1994
21. J. Wang, S. Rao & K. Patel, “Low-Level
Beamforming Networks and Components Development,” Spar Aerospace Limited,
Canada, RML-009-94-023, May 1994
22. R. Pokuls, J. Uher, S. Rao & S. Gupta,
“Development of Dual-Frequency & Dual- Polarization SAR Antennas,” Spar
Aerospace Limited, Canada, RML-009-94-022, February 1994
23. S. Rao, M. Tang & S. Richard, “Study of
Antenna Technologies for Inmarsat-P and Odyssey Mobile Satellite Communication
Payloads,” Spar Aerospace Limited, Canada, August 1993
24. M. Cuchanski & S. Rao, “Development of Ku-Band
Reconfigurable Steerable Spacecraft Antenna: Proposal,” Spar Aerospace Limited,
Canada, RML-009-93-168, May 1993
25. S. Rao & M. Cuchanski, “Development of Shaped Reflector
Antenna Technology at C- Band,” Spar Aerospace Limited, Canada, RML# 009-93-015,
January 1993
26. S. Rao & P. Garland, “Study of Beamforming
Technologies,” Proposal, Spar Aerospace Limited, Canada, RML-009-93-042,
January 1993
27. R. Fralich, M. Cuchanski, H. Moody, S. Rao &
M. Tang, “Ka-Band Integrated Active Array,” Spar Aerospace Limited, Internal
R&D Report, # RML-009-92-181, January 1993
28. S. Richard, M. Tang, S. Rao & K.K. Chan,
“Rotating Reflector Definition Study for Space-Based Radar: Feed Array &
Beamforming Network Development,” submitted to Canadian Department of National
Defense from Spar Aerospace Ltd., Contract
# 0005SV.W8477-0-TD06, November 1992
29. S. Rao, “Intelsat: C-Band Feed for Shaped
Reflector Antennas: Proposal,” Spar Aerospace Limited, Canada, #
RML-009-92-170, September 1992
30. S. Rao, M. Tang, J. Wang, S. Richard & K.K.
Chan, “EHF Satcom Project: Exploratory Multiple Beam Antenna Development,”
submitted to Canadian Department of National Defense from Spar Aerospace
Limited, Contract # W8477-8-TB04/01-SV, July 1992
31. S. Rao & D.T. King, “EHF Satcom: Investigation
of a Lens Multibeam Antenna
(X- LENS): Proposal,” Spar Aerospace Limited, Canada, RML-009-92-168, June 1992
32. S. Rao, M. Tang, S. Richard & K.K. Chan,
“Investigation of Antenna Concepts for an EHF Multiple-Beam Antenna with Good
Nulling Capability,” Final Report, Spar Aerospace Ltd. Report # RML-009-99-079,
Canadian Department of National Defense Contract, October 1990
33. S. Rao, J. Kopal, M. Tang & C. McDonach,
“Intelsat VII C-Band Proof-of-Concept Antenna Development,” Spar Aerospace
Ltd., under contract with Matra Aerospace, France, # RML-009-88-064, March 1988
34. S. Rao, J. Kopal & A. Baylis, “Development of
Circular Polarization Feed Components,” Spar Aerospace Ltd, under contract with
Canadian DOC, # RML-009- 87-134, December 1987
35. S. Rao, A. Baylis & H. Moody, “Recommendation
of a Template for Shaped Beam Satellite Antenna Patterns,” Spar Aerospace Ltd.
Report # RML-009-87-081, submitted to Department of Communications, Canada,
June 1987
36. I. Karlsson, K.K. Chan, S. Rao & S. Chokly,
“SBR Concept and Feasibility Study, Antenna Volume, Spar Aerospace Limited,
Canada, RML-009-86-070, July 1986
37. S. Rao & I. Karlsson, “Antenna Design for
Space Based Radar,” Spar Aerospace Limited, Canada, RML-009-86-048, April 1986
38. S. Rao, “Helical Antenna Software Development,”
Spar Aerospace Limited, Canada, Internal R&D Report, # RML-009-85-138,
December 1985
39. Rao & M. Tang, “Antenna Software for Planar
Array Consisting of Single/Dual- Mode Circular Horn Radiators,” Spar Aerospace
Internal R&D Report, # RML-009-84- 158, November 1984
40. L. Shafai, S. Rao, G. Bridges & O. Aboul-Atta,
“Sandwich Wire Antenna Design,” Final Report Submitted to Communications
Research Center, Canada, University of Manitoba Report # OST82-00033, March
1983
41. S. Rao, “Documentation of Computer Programs for
UGTD Analysis of Subreflector Diffraction in Dual-Reflector Antennas,” ELAB
Project Memorandum, Project
# 441420.60, June 1982
42. S. Rao, “Near-Field Pattern Analysis of a
Hyperboloidal Subreflector in a Cassegrainian Antenna,” ELAB Project
Memorandum, University of Trondheim, Norway, Project # 441420.60, February 1982
43. S. Rao & G. Goyette, “Development of Active
and Passive Array Antenna Technology: Phase II,” Final Report, Spar Aerospace
Limited, Canada,
RML-009-90-125
44. S. Rao, M. Tang & J. Kopal, “Rotman Lens
Development for Space Based Radar: Investigation of Causes for Non-Performance
of the Lens,” Spar Aerospace Limited, Canada, Report # RML-009-90-085
45. S. Rao, “Space Station Communications and Tracking
Equipment: UCS Antennas,” Proposal, Spar Aerospace Limited, Canada, RML-009-90-054
46. S. Rao et al., “Development of Active and Passive
Array Antenna Technology,” Spar Aerospace Limited, Canada, Internal Report
RML-009-89-095
47. S. Rao, M. Tang & K.K. Chan “EHF XMBA: XMBA
Design, Part 1: Preliminary Report,” Spar Aerospace Limited, Canada,
RML-009-89-082
48. S. Rao, “EHF Satcom XMBA: Exploratory Multiple
Beam Antenna: Test Plan,” Final Report,” Spar Aerospace Limited, Canada,
RML-009-89-063
49. S. Rao, “EHF Satcom XMBA: Exploratory Multiple
Beam Antenna: Antenna Technical Description and Performance Specification,”
Final Report, Spar Aerospace Limited, Canada, RML-009-89-062
50. F. Hyjazie & S. Rao, “Development of Active
and Passive Array Antenna Technology,” Final Report, Spar Aerospace Limited,
Canada, RML-009-89-044
51. S. Rao, “Intelsat VII C-Band Antenna
Proof-Of-Concept: Phase 1,” Spar Aerospace Limited, Canada, RML-009-88-077
Patents
1.
S. Rao, M.
Tang, C. Hsu, and D. Hentosh “High Performance Multi-Beam Antenna System for
High Capacity Satellites,” invention disclosure under preparation for filing, November
2007
2.
S. Rao, S.
Dhillon, C. Lee-Yow, and J. Scupin, “Dual-Band Feed Assembly with Integrated
Input-Output Filters and Test Couplers for Multi-Beam Satellite Payloads,
Patent Application SS-00015, October 2007
3.
S. Rao, D.
Bressler & A. Bhattacharyya, “Dual-Band Multiple Beam Antenna System for
Communication Satellites,” U.S. Patent #7,242,904, July 2007
4.
S. Rao, C.
Lee-Yow, and P. Venezia, “Generic Pick-Up Horn for High-Power Thermal Vacuum
Test of Satellite Payloads,” Patent Application MP-03814, March 2007
5.
S. Rao, D.
Bressler & A. Bhattacharyya, “Dual-Band Multiple Beam Antenna System for
Communication Satellites,” U.S. Patent #7,110,716, September 2006
6.
S. Rao and D.
Bressler, “Multi-beam and Multi-band Antenna System for Communications
Satellites,” U.S. Patent #7,034,771, April 2006
7.
S. Rao, S.
Peck, M. Tang, J. Wang, and D. Brown, “Reconfigurable Payload Using Non-Focused
Reflector Antenna” Patent Application MP-03778, January 2006 (received Lockheed Martin Inventor & New Technology Award in 2007)
8.
S. Rao, C.
Lee-Yow, P. Venezia, R. Lozano, D. Gardner, and J. Durcanin, “Pick-Up Horn
Method for High-Power TVAC test of Spacecraft Payloads,” Patent Application MP-03773,
November 2005
9.
S. Rao, G.
Goyette, C. Massey, G. Voulelikas, and J. Fink, “Beam Reconfiguration Method
and Apparatus for Satellite Antennas,” U.S. Patent #6,943,735, September 2005
10. S. Rao, J. Wang, and J. Fink, “Multi-band Antenna
System Supporting Multiple Communications Services,” U.S. Patent #6,937,203, August
2005
11. S. Rao and M. Tang, “Stepped-reflector for
Dual-band Operation of Multiple Beam Antennas,” Patent Application MP-03794,
January 2005
12. S. Rao and M. Tang, “A Novel Multiple Beam
Satellite Antenna System Using High-Efficiency Dual-Band Horns,” Patent
Application MP-03723, August 2004
(received Lockheed Martin Inventor &
New Technology Award in 2005)
13. S. Rao, P. Law, R. Reynolds & G. Voulelikas,
“Multiple Beam Antenna Using Reflective and Partially Reflective Surfaces,”
U.S. Patent #6,759,994 B2, July 2004
14. S. Rao, M. Sheshadri & J. Wang, “Multiple Beam
Antenna System Utilizing Hybrid-Cell Reuse Scheme to Enhance System Capacity,” Patent
Application MP-03717, April 2004
15. S. Rao, C. Hsu, G. Voulelikas & S. Robinson,
“Method and Apparatus for Zooming and Reconfiguring Circular Beams for Satellite
Communications,” U.S. Patent #6,577,282, June 2003
16. S. Rao, J. Bauer, C. Hsu & R. Rink, “Antenna System
for Multiple Orbits and Multiple Areas,” U.S. Patent #6,570,528, May 2003
17. S. Rao & A. Bhattacharyya, “Multi-mode Square
Horn with Cavity-Suppressed Higher-Order Modes,” U.S. Patent #6,535,174, March
2003
18. J. Norin, S. Rao, P. Regulenski & R. Pontual,
“Non-Uniform Multibeam Satellite Communications System and Method,” U.S. Patent
#6,463,282, October 2002
19. J. Norin, S. Rao, P. Regulenski & R. Pontual,
“Non-Uniform Multibeam Satellite Communications System and Method,” U.S. Patent
#6,463,281, October 2002
20. S. Rao, J. Norin, P. Regulenski & R. Pontual,
“Non-Uniform Multibeam Satellite Communications Method,” U.S. Patent #
6,456,846, September 2002
21. S. Rao, “Reconfigurable Antenna System,” U.S. Patent
#6,456,251, September 2002
(received Boeing Special Invention Award
in 2002)
22. G. Adams, P. Tarbuck, R. Vaughan, T. La France
& S. Rao, “Reconfigurable Multibeam Communication Satellite Having
Frequency Channelization,” U.S. Patent #6,442,148, August 2002
23. J. Norin, S. Rao, P. Regulenski & R. Pontual,
“Non-Uniform Multibeam Satellite Communications System and Method,” U.S. Patent
#6,434,384, August 2002
24. S. Rao, D. Roper & A. Bhattacharyya, “A Flexible
Antenna System for Gateway Links of Communication Satellites,” Patent Pending, filed
December 2001
25. S. Rao & P. Law, “Antenna Configurations for
Low and Medium Earth Orbit Satellites,” U.S. Patent #6,184,838, November 2001
26. S. Rao, S. Wu & J. Gulick, “Light-Weight Modular
Low-Level Reconfigurable Beamformer for Array Antennas,” U.S. Patent #6,246,364,
June 2001
27. S. Rao & P. Law, “Antenna Configurations for
Low and Medium Earth Orbit Satellites,” U.S. Patent #6,323,815, February 2001
28. A. Bhattacharyya & S. Rao, “Dual-Linearly
Polarized Multi-mode Rectangular Horn for Array Antennas,” U.S. Patent #6,137,450,
October 2000
29. P. Ramanujam, S. Rao, R. Vaughan & J. McLeary,
“Reconfigurable Multiple Beam Satellite Reflector Antenna with Array Feed,”
U.S. Patent #5,936,592, August 1999
30. S.
Rao, P. Ramanujam, R. Vaughan & P. Law, “Reconfigurable Multiple Beam
Satellite Phased Array Antenna,” U.S. Patent #5,936,588, August 1999
Honors and Awards
Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers
IEEE Fellow Award, 2006
IEEE Benjamin Franklin
Key Award (for innovations and advancements in satellite communications
payloads), 2006
IEEE Region 2 Award,
2006
Best Paper Award, IEEE
Sponsored Antennas and Electromagnetics (ANTEM) Symposium, 1990
Lockheed Martin
Space Systems Company
Inventor & New Technology Award, 2007 and 2005
Commercial Space Systems Inventor & New Technology Award, 2007
Lockheed Martin Senior Fellow, 2006
Commercial Space Systems Author Award, 2006
Commercial Space Systems Inventor Award, 2006 and 2005
Commercial Space Systems Publication Award, 2006
Commercial Space Systems
Excellence Award, 2006
Commercial Space Systems
Special Recognition Award, 2006, 2005, and 2004 Commercial Space Systems Inventor
Award, 2005
Boeing Satellite
Systems/Hughes Satellite Communications
Executive Bonus Award,
2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, and 1999
Special Recognition
Award, 2003
Technical Excellence
Award, 2003
Special Invention Award
(for three key patents), 2002
Boeing Technical Fellow
Award, 2002
Author Award, 2001,
2000, 1998, and 1991
Spar Aerospace Limited
Employee Commendation
Award, 1996
Employee of the Month
Award, 1988
Other
Listed in Who’s Who in the World, 2007 and 2006
Listed in Who’s Who in America, 2007
Listed in Who’s Who in Science and Engineering, 2007
Listed in Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals, 2007
International Youth in Achievement Award for “outstanding
contributions to the future of society,” Joint Editorial Board of the
International Biographical Center, Cambridge, England, and the American
Biographical Center, Raleigh, NC, 1982
Community Services
Outreach in Rural India
Dr. Rao believes in giving back to the community where he began his education. As a child, he attended schools in six different villages and learned multiple languages. A fifth-grade challenge was the daily walk (3 miles each way) to school. Today he is fluent in Hindi, English, and Telugu and speaks one other language.
Dr. Rao’s parents taught him discipline and
hard work, and inspired his dedication to education. Since 2004, Dr. Rao has
been the sole sponsor and head of the committee that selects and awards two
scholarships each year for outstanding poor students at the Koneru Lakshmaiah
College of Engineering in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, a rural area
of India. He also belongs to Sahaya Foundation, which
promotes education to poor students in Vijayawada, India. In its first year,
the foundation collected the equivalent of $1,500 and promoted college
educations for two orphans.
From 2005 to 2007, Dr. Rao sponsored and gave financial aid to a free eye clinic that provided eye operations, medications, and glasses to about 100 people living in Indian villages.
In addition to his charity services in India, Dr. Rao has been involved with the Salvation Army and UNICEF charities for the last 20 years. He also does volunteer work for IEEE and other organizations that have far-reaching impact on the scientific community, graduate students, and researchers around the world (see below). This involvement with the scientific community not only benefits others, but also helps him to learn about new developments in technical fields.
w Jury board member for evaluation and selection of outstanding candidates for Vladimir Karpetoff Award, Eta Kappa Nu, an international honor society for electrical and computer engineers, 2007
w Intellectual Property Review Board (IPRB) member, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, 2004 – 2007
w Member of Technical Program Committee (TPC) that reviews and selects papers for IEEE Antennas & Propagation International Symposia, 2003 – 2007
w Selection board member, IEEE Admissions Advancement Committee for Senior Member Selection, Philadelphia, PA, 2006
w Selection board member, best student paper contest during IEEE APS Symposium, Albuquerque, NM, 2006
w Selection board member, Technical Fellowship program at Boeing, 2001 – 2003
w
Review Committee member, IEEE Transactions on
Antennas & Propagation,
25 years
w Chairperson for several technical sessions at international conferences and symposia, 15 years
w External examiner for five PhD and 20 MS theses
Biography
Name: Dr. Sudhakar K. Rao
Title: Lockheed Martin Senior Fellow
Company: Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS)
Years with Company: Three years and ten months
Professional Experience Summary:
Dr. Rao is an internationally recognized expert in antenna
systems used for multiple-beam and reconfigurable-beam payloads for satellite
communications. His 33 years of experience encompass conceptual design, payload
trades, detailed component design, and hardware test for both commercial and military
satellites. He has published 110 technical papers and holds 30 U.S. patents. In
addition, he is listed in the 2007 editions of Who’s Who
in the World,
Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in Science and Engineering, and Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals.
Since
December 2003, Dr. Rao has been employed at Lockheed Martin Commercial Space
Systems in Newtown, Pennsylvania, where he is responsible for all technical
aspects of antenna payloads for new business proposals and programs and for
developing a technology roadmap for advanced antennas. In 2006 he was named
both a Lockheed Martin Senior Fellow and an IEEE Fellow and was presented with
the IEEE Benjamin Franklin Key Award for innovations and advancements in
satellite communications payloads.
Previous
positions include chief scientist and technical fellow for the antenna payload directorate at Boeing
Satellite Systems/Hughes Satellite Communications in El Segundo, California,
and staff scientist responsible for all antenna products, proposals, programs,
and internal research and development at Spar Aerospace Limited in
Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada.
Dr. Rao
holds a PhD and an MS in
electrical engineering from the India Institute of Technology and a BS, also in electrical engineering, from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University
in India. He lives in Churchville, Pennyslvania, with
his wife of 29 years, Rajani Krothapalli, and their teenage daughter, Neha Rao.
Dr. Sudhakar K. Rao
Dr. Sudhakar Rao accepts
Inventor & New Technology award (photo at left) from Marshall Byrd,
vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Commercial Space
Systems, during the 2007 Awards Night at Lockheed Martin Space Systems
Company in Newtown, Pennsylvania. His team (below) invented a novel method
of shaping a satellite’s beam to control the pattern seen on the ground. Dr. Rao was honored at the
Lockheed Martin Senior Fellows Breakfast in Denver, Colorado, in 2007. He
was presented the IEEE Benjamin Franklin Key Award in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, in 2006. After receiving a Commercial
Space Systems Publication award in Newtown,
Pennsylvania (right), Dr. Rao posed with other 2006 winners. Dr.
Sudhakar Rao accepts Inventor & New Technology award (photo at left)
from Marshall Byrd, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin
Commercial Space Systems, during the 2007 Awards Night at Lockheed Martin
Space Systems Company in Denver, Colorado. His team (below) invented a
novel method of shaping a satellite’s beam to control the pattern seen on
the ground.
