Late. Dr K N Shankara was the Director of URSC from June 2005 to May 2008. Prior to this, he was Director of Space Applications Centre (SAC) from 2002 to 2005. Starting his career at SAC in 1971, after his doctorate in Electrical Communication Engineering from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, he had made extensive contribution to the development of communication, navigation, earth & planetary observation, meteorological payloads and related data processing and ground systems. As Associate Project Director of INSAT- 2A and INSAT - 2B, he was responsible for the development of transponders for these satellites. As Group Director at SAC until 1996, he has contributed extensively to orgainze the work in the area of microwave technology and spacecraft electronics. He moved over to ISRO Headquarters, Bangalore in the year 2001 as Director of Satellite Communications Programme Office (SCPO) and Programme Director, INSAT. In this capacity, he was looking after the overall planning and direction of communication satellite programme. He was also the Programme Director for Disaster Management Support at ISRO HQ, Bangalore.

He was a fellow of the Institution of Telecommunication Engineers INDIA, life member of Astronautical Society of India, life member of International Microelectronics and Packaging Society and also Associate of National Institute of Advanced Studies.

Dr K N Shankara had received many awards for his outstanding contributions in the field of science and technology. He was the recipient of the IETE-IRS (83) award for the year 1995-96, 'Om Prakash Bhasin' award for Space and Aerospace for the year 1998, Ramlal Wadwa Gold Medal for Outstanding contribution in Electronics during the year 2000, Astronautical Society of India award for Space System Management for the year 2000, VASVIK Award for the year 2001 for contribution in Electrical & Electronics and Science & Technology and Appreciation Award from National Biomedical Engineering Society of India.

He was a recipent of prestigious Padmashri by the Government of India in the year 2004 for his contribution in the field of Satellite Technology.