Dr. KAMLESH LULLA is an award-winning, internationally acclaimed NASA chief scientist and an expert in space and geospatial technology. Currently, Dr. Lulla is the Director of the University Research Collaboration and Partnership Office at Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. Dr. Lulla “brings the best minds from universities to work with engineers and scientists at NASA Johnson Space Center” to advance technology development and foster innovation for future human spaceflight missions.
Dr. Lulla’s distinguished career at NASA spans 33 years. He has served as the Chief Scientist for Earth Observation for Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs and directed the training of NASA Astronauts in Earth Observation Sciences and physical science payloads. Dr. Lulla’s scientific research involved optical and radar remote sensing and advanced sensor development. In addition, Dr. Lulla developed digital imaging sensors as payloads for the space shuttle program. In his leadership roles at NASA, Dr. Lulla also served as Chief for the Flight Science branch for five years and Chief for the Earth Science branch for five years. He also serves as the Chief Scientist for ten years.
Dr. Lulla holds two Ph.D. degrees with expertise in Environmental science and Geoscience remote sensing. He served in academia as a tenured university professor of Remote Sensing and Earth sciences for over sixteen years before joining NASA. Dr. Lulla is a widely published author. He has co-authored or edited eight books and authored many research and technical papers in prestigious journals. He is also the Chief Editor of a major international journal in Earth and space science and Remote Sensing.
Dr. Lulla has received numerous awards from NASA, the U.S. Government, and various universities, cultural organizations, and associations. Dr. Lulla has received several awards from professional societies such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the American Society of Photogrammetric Engineering, and Remote Sensing (ASPRS), and the Association of American Geographers. Dr. Lulla received three of the highest NASA medals- the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal in 2005 for his scientific research and NASA-sponsored Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Award (medal) for his scientific and technical excellence in 2012 NASA Achievement Medal for technology in 2015.
In 2015, Dr. Lulla received one of the highest honors from the Government of India. India’s President honored Dr. Lulla with Medal and Award for Oversees Indian Immigrants (Pravasi Bhartiya Samman) for his lifetime achievements in space science and technology.
On July 4th, 2021, the Carnegie Corporation (Foundation) of New York, selected Dr. Lulla for a nationwide honor as “Great Immigrant, Great American” for his contributions to the nation. Dr. Lulla is one of the 34 immigrants nationwide, from various fields for this honor.
Dr. Lulla lives in Houston with his wife Marianne Lulla, a psychologist and social worker. He has two grown children- son Dr. Andrew Lulla, MD, a physician at VA Hospital, and a daughter Tara Lulla, a Ph. D. scholar in criminal justice.