Glaser, Peter

Mechanical Engineer and Space Technology Pioneer 1923-

Peter E. Glaser conceived the solar power satellite as a means of capturing solar energy in space for transmission to Earth. In the next few decades this concept may be implemented as part of the solution to the pressing human need for more and cleaner energy.

Glaser was born September 5, 1923, in Zatec, Czechoslovakia. He moved to the United States in 1948 and went on to earn both his master's of science and doctoral degrees from Columbia University in New York City. In addition to his seminal role as inventor of the solar power satellite, Glaser has made many outstanding contributions to space technology during his illustrious career. Until retirement in 1994, Glaser led advanced technology work at Arthur D. Little, Inc. His wide-ranging interests included thermal protection systems, lunar surface properties, lunar laser ranging, and space solar power systems. He directed studies for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.S. Department of Energy, served on several NASA task forces, and testified on numerous occasions before committees of the U.S. Congress.

Glaser has more than 150 publications, books, and patents. He served as president of the International Solar Energy Society and as editor in chief of the Journal of Solar Energy. He founded the Sunsat Energy Council in 1978 and was its president until 1994. He is currently the council's chairman emeritus. Glaser has been a prominent member of leading professional organizations in science, technology, and astronautics and has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Space Technology Hall of Fame in the United States Space Foundation.

see also Solar Power Systems (volume 4).

R. Bryan Erb

Internet Resources

Glaser, Peter. "The World Needs Energy From Space."Space.com.<http://www.space.com/opinionscolumns/opinions/glaser_000223.html>.