The IAF award is intended to reward personalities for their contributions to the progress of astronautics and the Federation.
In a letter to Rao, a former Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman, IAF stated "It is a true honour for IAF to attribute this award to Prof Rao, who has been for many years an active participant to the success of space in general and of the Federation in particular".
This year's 67th International Astronautical Congress will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico during September 26-30, 2016.
Prof Rao will receive the 'IAF Hall of Fame' Award and a certificate, during the closing ceremony on September 30, according to an ISRO release.