New Delhi, July 27: The Ministry of Earth Sciences today conferred the National Award in Ocean Sciences for the year 2009 on Dr. George Joseph on the occasion of Ministry’s Foundation Day today.
The former Director, Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad and presently Director of Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific, Dehradun, affiliated to the United Nations, Dr. Joseph was born in Chenganoor, Kerala on 4th August 1938.
From 1962 to 1973 at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, he was involved in the study of cosmic rays using balloon borne detectors. A novel detector system designed by him was flown on the first Indian Satellite ARYABHATA to detect solar neutrons.
Since 1973, at Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad, Dr. Joseph was instrumental in developing a variety of electro-optical sensors for earth observations which were first of its kind in India.
Dr. George Joseph has established an electro-optical laboratory, which is comparable to the best in the world with capability to design, manufacture and test a variety of complex optical systems and sensors of state-of-the art. These developmental efforts lead to the realization of India’s first OCEANSAT. He is rightfully considered the pioneer of satellite based imaging sensors in the country.
In recognition of his lifetime contributions towards development of onboard sensors in Indian Remote Sensing Satellite system, Dr. Joseph was conferred the Bhaskara Award in 1997and he has been honoured in 1999 by the Government of India’s civilian award – Padma Bhusan.
In recognition of outstanding contributions to Ocean Sciences, Ministry of Earth Sciences honours Dr. George Joseph with National Award in Ocean Sciences for the year 2009.
–Agencies–