Hans K. Ziegler facts for kids

Hans K. Ziegler (born March 1, 1911, in Munich, Germany – died December 11, 1999, in Colts Neck Township, New Jersey, United States) was a very important scientist. He helped create the first communication satellites. He also found a way to power satellites using special photovoltaic solar cells that turn sunlight into electricity. He was a true pioneer in space technology.

Early Life and Career

Hans Ziegler was born in Munich, Germany. He studied at a university called the Technische Hochschule. Today, this school is known as the Technische Universität München (TUM). After his studies, he started his career as a scientific assistant.

For ten years, he worked as a researcher in German companies. During the Second World War, he worked for a company called Rosental Selb. There, he focused on high tension porcelain, which is a type of ceramic material.

Moving to the United States

In 1947, Hans Ziegler moved to the United States. He came with Wernher von Braun as part of Operation Paperclip. This was a special program where the USA brought German engineers and scientists to America.

Ziegler joined the US Army Signal Corps' Laboratories in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. He became a US citizen in 1954.

Contributions to Space and Electronics

Ziegler's work in the US was very important for military electronics. He especially helped with the early stages of the US space program. He worked for 30 years as an engineer in the US Army's research and development department in Fort Monmouth.

From 1959, he held a top position as Chief Scientist for 12 years. He was also the Director of the Astro-Electronics Division. Later, he became the Deputy for Science and Chief Scientist of the US Army Electronics Command.

The Power of Solar Cells

In May 1954, Ziegler looked at new solar cells made by Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller, and Gerald Pearson at Bell Laboratories. He quickly saw their potential. He wrote that these silicon solar cells could become a major source of electricity. He even imagined that if all buildings had solar cells, they could power the entire country.

In September 1955, he spoke to General James Dunne O'Connell, the head of the U.S. Signal Corps. Ziegler told him, "In fact, in the long run, mankind has no choice but to turn to the sun if it wants to survive."

Ziegler and his team wrote a report about how solar cells could be used. They said the most important use would be to power artificial satellites. He knew that others, like science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke, had thought of this idea before. But Ziegler was working on the actual technology to make it happen.

Satellites and Solar Power

Ziegler helped develop the first planned satellites. The first US satellite, Explorer 1, did not use solar cells. It was launched quickly after the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1. The US wanted to show its own space abilities.

The actual planned satellite project was Project Vanguard. On March 17, 1958, Vanguard I was successfully put into orbit. The Navy was not sure about using solar cells. But because of Ziegler's hard work, Vanguard I had four solar cells on its outside. These cells powered the satellite's instruments for over seven years!

After this success, solar cells became the standard way to power satellites. Ziegler also helped develop the world's first communication satellite, SCORE, launched in 1958.

Awards and Recognition

In 1963, Ziegler received the Meritorious Civilian Service Award from the US Department of Defense. He was honored as a "world pioneer in communications satellites and solar energy systems to power satellites."

When he retired in 1977, he received the Army's highest award for "exceptional civilian service."

Later Life

Ziegler wrote many technical papers. He was a member of the IEEE. He also represented the US in many national and international groups, dealing with both military and civilian matters.

In 1958, he was part of the US team at the International Geophysical Year meeting in Moscow, USSR. In 1964, he advised on scientific activities in Antarctica and at the South Pole. This work was guided by the US National Science Foundation.

Hans Ziegler's wife, Friederike, passed away in 1996. He lived in Colts Neck Township, New Jersey and died at age 88 on December 11, 1999. He was survived by his daughters, Christine Griffith and Friederike Meindl, and his son, Hans.