Ceramic Mug 15oz (Dr. George Robert Carruthers)

Dr. George Robert Carruthers (October 1, 1939 – December 26, 2020) was an African American inventor, physicist, engineer, and space scientist1. He is best known for perfecting a compact and very powerful ultraviolet camera/spectrograph, which NASA used when it launched Apollo 16 in 19721.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Carruthers developed an interest in space flight at an early age, building his first telescope out of cardboard tubing and lenses purchased using money he earned as a delivery boy1. He pursued his passion for science and space, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1961, a master’s degree in nuclear engineering in 1962, and a Ph.D. in aeronautical and astronautical engineering in 1964, all from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Carruthers began working for the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. in 1964, where his work focused on far ultraviolet astronomy2. His invention, the “Image Converter,” recorded the first observation of molecular hydrogen in outer space2. In 1972, he invented the first moon-based observatory, the far ultraviolet camera/spectrograph, which was used in the Apollo 16 mission.

In recognition of his contributions to aeronautical engineering, Carruthers was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 20031. He was also awarded the National Medal for Technology and Invention in 20111. Carruthers passed away on December 26, 20201.

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en.wikipedia.org