Farouk El-Baz is an Egyptian-American scientist and geologist who played a crucial role in the United States' space program, particularly in the Apollo missions to the moon. He was born on January 2, 1938, in Zagazig, Egypt, and earned his Ph.D. in geology from the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

El-Baz joined NASA in 1967 as a research scientist and became an integral part of the Apollo program. He was responsible for training the astronauts on lunar geology and was instrumental in selecting landing sites for the Apollo missions. He is credited with developing the technique of using orbital imagery to study and map the surface of the moon, which helped identify potential landing sites and understand the geology of the moon.

After leaving NASA in 1975, El-Baz worked for several organizations, including the National Geographic Society, where he served as a science advisor. He also served as the director of the Center for Remote Sensing at Boston University, where he continued his research on the use of remote sensing technology in geology and archaeology.

El-Baz has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science, including the NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal, the Egyptian Order of Merit, and the Golden Plate Award from the Academy of Achievement. He has also been inducted into the National Space Society's Hall of Fame.

In addition to his work in space exploration, El-Baz has been a strong advocate for environmental conservation and sustainable development. He has worked with international organizations to promote the use of remote sensing technology in monitoring and managing natural resources, including water and land use.

El-Baz has also been an author and co-author of several books on geology and space exploration, including "The Moon: Resources, Future Development and Settlement" and "Remote Sensing and Water Resources."

Overall, Farouk El-Baz has made significant contributions to the fields of geology, remote sensing, and space exploration, and has been recognized as a pioneer and leader in his field. His work has helped advance our understanding of the moon and its resources, and has paved the way for future space exploration and scientific discoveries.