Peter Glaser facts for kids

Peter Edward Glaser (born September 5, 1923 – died May 29, 2014) was a smart scientist and engineer. He was born in Czechoslovakia and later became an American citizen. He worked for a company called Arthur D. Little for many years. He was known for inventing the idea of a Solar Power Satellite, which could send power from space to Earth.

Peter Glaser's Work

Peter Glaser worked on many exciting projects. He focused a lot on solar power, which is energy from the sun. He explored how to use solar energy for heating, cooling, and even to power homes in rural areas.

Space and Solar Projects

Glaser was involved in many space missions and ideas. He helped with the Apollo 11 mission. This mission put a special mirror on the Moon. This mirror is still used today to measure the distance to the Moon with lasers.

He also worked on:

• Lunar Heat Flow Probes, which measured heat on the Moon.
• Lunar Gravimeter, which measured gravity on the Moon.
• An experiment on the Space Shuttle Columbia to see how gravity affects blood cells.

The Solar Power Satellite Idea

In 1968, Peter Glaser came up with a big idea. He thought we could collect solar energy in space using huge satellites. Then, these satellites could send the power down to Earth. He even got a patent for this idea in 1973. This invention could help provide clean energy for everyone.

Groups and Councils

Peter Glaser was part of many important groups. He advised NASA, the space agency, for many years. He also worked with the National Academy of Sciences on solar energy studies.

He was a leader in several organizations:

• He was president of the American Solar Energy Society.
• He was president of the International Solar Energy Society.
• He helped create the SUNSAT Energy Council, which works with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. This group focused on getting power from space.

Books and Papers

Peter Glaser wrote over 800 scientific books and papers. He was also an editor for several science journals. These journals published articles about solar energy and space power. He helped share knowledge about these important topics with other scientists.

Awards and Recognition

Peter Glaser received many awards for his work.

• In 1974, he got the Carl F. Kayan Medal from Columbia University.
• In 1983, he received the Farrington Daniels Award for his work in solar energy.
• The International Astronautical Federation started a special lecture series named after him in 1993.
• In 1996, he was added to the Space Technology Hall of Fame.

About Peter Glaser

Peter Glaser was born in Žatec, Czechoslovakia. His middle name, Edward, came from his great-uncle, Eduard Glaser. Eduard was a famous explorer of southern Arabia in the 1800s.

Peter Glaser moved to the United States in 1948 and became a U.S. citizen in 1954. He married Eva F. Graf in 1955.

Education

Peter Glaser studied at several universities. He earned diplomas from Leeds College of Technology and Charles University in Prague. He also earned his Master's and PhD degrees from Columbia University.

Military Service

During World War II, Peter Glaser served in the Free Czechoslovak Army. He was recognized for his bravery by the Czech President.

His Hobby: Archaeology

Peter Glaser had a special hobby: archaeology. He was very interested in the ancient history of southern Arabia, where his great-uncle had explored. He owned a collection of artifacts that belonged to his great-uncle. These items included old daggers, water vessels, and even a stone lantern from the palace of the Queen of Sheba. Unfortunately, this collection stayed in Czechoslovakia when he moved to the U.S., and he was never able to get it back.