George Joseph (scientist)

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George Joseph
GeorgeJoseph.jpg
Born (1938-08-04) 4 August 1938 (age 85)
NationalityIndian
Known forPioneering contribution to the Indian space programme in the area of earth observation technology.
Awards Padma Bhushan (1999)
Scientific career
FieldsSatellite Imaging Sensors, Remote Sensing and Space Science
InstitutionsSpace Applications Center, Indian Space Research Organization, Center for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (affiliated to UN)
Website www.profgeorgej.com

George Joseph (born 4 August 1938) is an Indian space scientist, best known for his contributions to the development of remote sensing technology in India, especially in the field of Earth observation sensors. He is a former chairman of the Lunar Mission Study Task Force of the Indian Space Research Organization and an elected fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India, Indian Academy of Sciences and Indian National Academy of Engineering. The Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award, in 1999.

Contents

Early life

George Joseph was born on 4 August 1938 to Advocate MG Joseph and Alice. After completing schooling, he joined St.Berchmans College, Changanassery and also studied at Alagappa Chettiar College in Karaikudi and University College, Trivandrum. He served as lecturer at Union Christian College, Aluva and at CMS College Kottayam. Afterwards he was a trainee at Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC), Bombay.

Joseph is married to Mercy and they have two sons Joseph (Gibu) and Mathews (Reji).

Research career

Joseph started his research career in 1962 at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Bombay, where he was involved in the study of cosmic rays. [1] Based on his research work at the Tata Institute he was awarded a PhD degree by the Bombay University. A novel detector system designed by him was flown on the first Indian satellite Aryabhata (satellite) to detect solar neutrons. [2]

Contributions to the Indian space programme

In 1973, Joseph was invited to join the Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad-one of the centers of the Indian Space Research Organization, and initiated the development of remote sensing technology particularly sensors of various types. [3] He has been the guiding force in the design and development of all the earth observation cameras on board Indian Remote Sensing Satellite and INSAT. He served the Indian Space Research Organization in various capacities including director of its Space Applications Centre and took keen interest and initiative to ensure the fruits of space technology reach common man. One of his contributions is the study report on Indian Mission to the Moon in the capacity as chairman of the Lunar Mission Study Task Force. [4] [5]

Joseph has served in a number of national and international committees/organizations including president of Technical Commission – I of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing [6] during 1996–2000 and director of the Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (affiliated to the United Nations), with headquarters at Dehradun during 2006–2009. [7] [8] [9]

Positions held

Special Responsibilities/Assignments (International /National)

Special Responsibilities/Assignments (Indian Space Research Organization)

Professional bodies

Recognition

Publications

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References

  1. "Dr George Joseph Awarded India's Civilian Award and Premier Remote Sensing Award" (PDF). ISPRS. 7 June 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  2. SAC Directors
  3. "Space Applications Centre profile". www.sac.gov.in. 7 June 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  4. What lies behind India’s planned trip to the moon?
  5. "Moon within our reach: Isro – Times of India". The Times of India. 12 August 2002. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  6. ISPRS Technical Commission -I
  7. "Dr George Joseph Appointed Director of UN-affiliated Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific – ISRO". www.isro.gov.in. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  8. Dr George Joseph Appointed Director of UN-affiliated Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific
  9. Center for Space Science & Technology Education in Asia & The Pacific
  10. "Fellowship – Indian Academy of Sciences". www.ias.ac.in. 7 June 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
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Government offices
Preceded by *Director SAC (Indian Space Research Organization)
*1994–1998
Succeeded by