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PETER E. GLASER
Papers, 1944-2000
ACCESS
There are no restrictions on access to the collection.
COPYRIGHT
Requests for permission to publish material from the collection should be directed to the
head of the Institute Archives and Special Collections.
PROCESSING
The processing of the collection was funded by a gift from Peter E. Glaser.
FOLDER LIST
I. BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
A. Summary information ..........................................................................................8
B. Correspondence....................................................................................................8
C. Education .............................................................................................................8
D. Personal interests ................................................................................................9
E. Photographs ..........................................................................................................10
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
Glaser was the head of the design department at Werner Management Company in New
York City from 1948 to 1953. From 1955 to 1999 he was employed at Arthur D. Little,
Inc., serving as a vice president at the time of his retirement. At Arthur D. Little, he
worked with chemists, physicists, and engineers on consulting projects in aerospace,
solar energy, and materials science. He served as project manager for the Apollo 11
Laser Ranging Retroreflector Array; he was also project manager for the Lunar Heat
Flow Probes and the Initial Blood Storage Experiment, which explored gravitational
effects on human blood cells. At the Intersociety Engineering Energy Conversion
Conference in 1968, he presented the concept of the solar power satellite to harness the
suns power for use on Earth, and in November 1968 the idea was published in the
journal Science. In 1973, he was granted a U.S. patent for the solar power satellite
concept. Drawing on his experience in space science and technology, solar energy
conversion, and wireless power transmission, Glaser became an energetic advocate of
solar power satellites as a solution to the global energy dilemma, writing articles and
giving lectures and interviews on the topic. His work on solar energy applications
includes the development of photovoltaic conversion systems, solar concentrators, solar
heating and cooling systems, and applications of solar technology in developing
countries.
Glaser was president of the International Solar Energy Society (1968-1969) and editor-
in-chief of the Journal of Solar Energy (1971-1984). He was the recipient of the Carl F.
Kayan medal from Columbia University in 1974. He also received the Farrington
Daniels Award from the International Solar Energy Society in 1983.
Glaser is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
and the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics. He is a member of the
American Society of Mechanical Engineering, the American Astronautical Society
(AAS), the National Space Society (NSS), and the International Astronautical Federation
(IAF). In 1993, the National Space Society and the International Astronautical
Federation established the Peter Glaser Plenary Lecture to be given at the Annual
Congress. Glaser is a regent of the United Societies in Space (USS). In 1996, he was
PETER E. GLASER. MC 569
Page 4
inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame of the United States Space Foundation
(USSF).
PROVENANCE NOTE
The papers were given to the Institute Archives by Peter E. Glaser in 2001 and 2002.
Additional material was given by Glaser in 2005.
The papers of Peter E. Glaser document his professional career and personal activities
from 1944 to 2000, with the bulk of the materials dating from 1975 to 1995.
A large portion of the collection reflects Glasers work and interest in solar energy
applications, especially the solar power satellite. While relevant items may be found
throughout the collection, most of these papers are gathered in Series V, Subseries B,
Solar energy applications, which brings together material of various formats (including a
large number of publications and clippings) relating to Glasers solar energy research and
advocacy.
Other series and subseries include material documenting different facets of Glasers
interest in solar energy. Glasers leadership of the Sunsat Energy Council is well
documented in Series II, Professional Organization Records. Material documenting
Glasers research and promotion of solar energy and the solar power satellite is
distributed throughout Series IV, Professional Activities - Research and Advocacy
Records. Within Series IV, a large quantity of relevant material may be found in the
chronologically organized Solar energy applications - Peter E. Glaser appearances set
of folders in Subseries E, Public appearances, and in Subseries F, Congressional
testimony. Of particular interest are the numerous papers and reports by Glaser and
others detailing the benefits and problems associated with solar power satellites, as well
as Glasers testimonies before the House and Senate on behalf of the proposed satellite,
which document public discussions of alternative energy sources during the energy crisis
of the 1970s. A somewhat more limited set of material relating to solar energy may also
be found in Series III, Arthur D. Little, Inc. Project Records, especially Subseries A,
Technical reports.
Glasers other interests in aerospace science and technology are also well represented in
the collection. As with the solar energy materials, many of the aerospace materials are
collected in Series V, Professional Interests - Subject Files, Subseries A, Space science
and technology. Papers relating to numerous aerospace research and advocacy
organizations (Glaser was a member of many) are located in Series II, Professional
Organization Records. A substantial portion of the papers in Series III, Arthur D. Little,
Inc. Project Records, documents Glasers work in space science and technology (in
particular Subseries A, Technical reports, and the Technical section of Subseries B,
PETER E. GLASER. MC 569
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Publicity). Relevant material may also be found throughout Series IV, Professional
Activities - Research and Advocacy Records.
Glasers professional papers also document his interest and activity in the environment,
the commercialization of space, refrigeration technology, and engineering in general.
Series III, Arthur D. Little, Inc. Project Records, includes material documenting the
administration, organization, and employment practices of the firm. Of special interest is
a fairly sizable collection of newsletters and other publications created by the company.
SERIES LIST
I. BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
A. Summary information (box 1, folders 1-4)
B. Correspondence (box 1, folders 5-8)
C. Education (box 1, folder 9 - box 2, folder 10)
D. Personal interests (box 3, folders 1-14)
E. Photographs (box 3, folders 15-16)
SERIES DESCRIPTIONS
SERIES I, BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION, 1944-1999, includes five subseries.
Subseries A, Summary information, contains biographical sketches and biographical
directory listings. Subseries B, Correspondence, offers a modest amount of Glasers
personal correspondence. Subseries C, Education, arranged chronologically, includes
textbooks, notebooks, lecture and research notes, and manuscripts of academic and
research papers. It also includes some correspondence from later years in addition to
printed materials about Columbia University. The majority of materials in Subseries D,
Personal interests, reflect Glasers interest in and activities relating to Judaism and
Jewish culture. The series includes printed materials from various ceremonies Glaser
attended, newspaper clippings, and brochures on Combined Jewish Philanthropies, for
which Glaser has served as an overseer. Subseries E, Photographs, consists of
photographs of Glaser.
papers related to Glasers work as guest editor of the journals Solar Energy Journal and
Space Policy Journal and co-editor of the monograph Solar Power Satellites: A Space
Energy System for Earth. Subseries D, Publications and presentations, arranged
chronologically, comprises reprints of various papers and articles Glaser wrote for
conferences, scientific journals, newspapers, and popular periodicals, as well as notices
of publication. Topics covered include solar energy, space and space exploration, and the
economic rewards of continuing the space program. Additional publications and
presentations by Glaser are located in other parts of the collection, including Series III,
Subseries A, Technical reports; Series IV, Subseries E, Public appearances; and Series V,
Professional Interests - Subject Files. Subseries E, Public appearances, is arranged
alphabetically by subject and contains announcements and advertisements for Glasers
lectures, presentations, and interviews (mainly on the subject of solar power satellites), as
well as correspondence relating to presentations. Subseries F, Congressional testimony,
includes transcripts of Glasers testimonies before Congress. The testimonies cover the
solar power satellite, solar energy, and small business use of technology. Much of the
material relates to the bill Solar Power Satellite Research, Development, and
Demonstration Act of 1978, introduced by Representative Ronnie Flippo of Alaska.
Subseries G, Research publications by others, contains papers and articles on topics
relating to solar energy, including the solar power satellite; wireless power transmission
(WPT) and other energy-related topics; topics related to space science and technology
(including lunar landings, the Challenger disaster, and international relations in space
missions); as well as other topics. Other authors publications may also be found
elsewhere in the collection, including Series V, Professional Interests - Subject Files.
A. Summary information
B. Correspondence
C. Education
1 9 Zvonicek, Jan, and Karel Spala, Direktni regulatory rychlosti, 2nd ed.,
Praha: Ceska Matice Technicka, 1928
D. Personal Interests
E. Photographs
10 3 Space Studies Institute (SSI), High Frontier, [1983, 1985, 1987, 1996]
10 9 SUNSAT, [1978-1980]
11 4 SUNSAT, [1980]
11 6 SUNSAT, [1983-1984]
11 7 SUNSAT, [1992-1993]
12 1 SUNSAT, [1996-1997]
12 2 SUNSAT, [1996-1998]
12 3 SUNSAT, [1998-2000]
A. Technical reports
14 9 Arthur D. Little Inc., Evaluation of Solar Cells and Arrays for Potential
Solar Power Satellite Applications, 31 March 1978
15 3 Arthur D. Little Inc., Final Report Solar Climate Control Project Phase 2:
Markets and Opportunities in Europe, November 1976
15 4 Arthur D. Little Inc., Final Report Solar Climate Control Project Phase 2:
Specific Opportunities, July 1976
16 8 Arthur D. Little Inc., Review of the Status of Thin Film Solar Cells,
September 1981
16 9 Arthur D. Little Inc., The Solar Climate Control Project Phase 1: Task
Reports, n.d.
17 5 Arthur D. Little Inc., System Study of the Utilization of Space for CO2
Research, April 1984.
B. Publicity
18 7 [Administrative] - Clippings
24 2 [Conferences], n.d.
24 3 [Conferences, 1950s]
24 7 [Conferences, 1970s]
PETER E. GLASER. MC 569
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26 14 NASA, [1998-1999]
26 16 NASA - Mankins [John C. ] - [Final report for Fresh Look Space Solar
Program Study], 1995-1997
27 1 NASA - SPS [Past and Present Motivations for SPS presentation], 1995
28 2 SPS 2000 [13th ISAS Space Energy Symposium, 30 July 1993], 1993-
1995
B. Correspondence
PETER E. GLASER. MC 569
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29 4 [Correspondence, 1970s]
29 5 [Correspondence, 1980s]
29 7 [Correspondence], 1998
29 8 [Correspondence], 1999
29 9 [Correspondence], 2002
29 14 India, 2000
29 21 NASDA, [1995-1998]
29 25 Preble, [1998]
PETER E. GLASER. MC 569
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29 26 Prospace, [1997-1998]
29 29 Singh, [1996-1998]
29 35 Technik, [1993-1994]
30 3 Vesmir, [1993-1994]
32 7 [Book - Solar Power Satellites: A Space Energy System for Earth] - [Ellis]
Horwood [Publishers], 1989-1990
32 8 [Book - Solar Power Satellites: A Space Energy System for Earth] - [Ellis]
Horwood [Publishers], 1991-1994
32 9 [Book - Solar Power Satellites: A Space Energy System for Earth] - Praxis
[Publishing Ltd. ], 1993-1996
32 10 [Book - Solar Power Satellites: A Space Energy System for Earth] - Praxis
[Publishing Ltd. ], 1995-1996
32 11 [Book - Solar Power Satellites: A Space Energy System for Earth] - Praxis
[Publishing Ltd. ] letters, 1998-2000
33 6 [Book - Solar Power Satellites: A Space Energy System for Earth] - Table
of contents, 1996
33 7 Book - [Solar Power Satellites: A Space Energy System for Earth] - Bios,
1997-1998
34 8-9 [Book - Solar Power Satellites: A Space Energy System for Earth -
Contributors] - Duncan, [Richard C. ], 1998
37 10 Glaser, Peter E., Energy from Space: A Strategy for Development, n.d.
37 17 Glaser, Peter E., Orbiting Power Plants Could Ease Earths Energy
Crisis, n.d.
37 23 Glaser, Peter E., The Rationale for Commercial Activities in Space, n.d.
37 25 Hadlock, Charles R., and Peter E. Glaser, Risk Analysis Methods for
Space Station Design and Development, n.d.
38 1 [Publications], 1956
38 6 Glaser, Peter E., A Solar Furnace for Use in Applied Research, The
Journal of Solar Energy Science and Engineering, vol. 1, no. 2, April -
July 1957
PETER E. GLASER. MC 569
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38 9 Glaser, Peter E., and Henry H. Blau Jr., A New Technique for Measuring
the Spectral Emissivity of Solids at High Temperatures, Reprint from
Journal of Heat Transfer, February 1959
38 16 Glaser, Peter E., and Henri H. Blau, Jr., Mesure des proprits du
rayonnement des solides a haute temprature, Colloques Internationaux
du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Montlouis, France, 23-
38 June 1958 (1961)
38 21 [Publications], 1963
39 5 Glaser, Peter E., Small Scale Structure of the Lunar Surface, 7 October
1964
39 9 [Publications], 1965
PETER E. GLASER. MC 569
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39 11 [Publications], 1966
39 12 [Publications], 1967
39 13 [Publications], 1968
39 14 Glaser, Peter E., The Future of Power from the Sun, paper presented at
the Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, Boulder,
Colorado, 13 August 1968
39 15 Glaser, Peter E., Power from the Sun - Its Future, Science, vol. 162, 22
November 1968
41 5 Glaser, Peter E., The Satellite Solar Power Station-A Focus for Future
Space Shuttle Missions, paper presented at the 21st annual meeting of the
American Astronautical Society, 27 August 1975
41 6 Glaser, Peter E., The Satellite Solar Power Station: An Option for Energy
Production on Earth, paper presented at the AIAA/AAS Solar Energy for
Earth Conference, 24 April 1975
PETER E. GLASER. MC 569
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41 11 Power From Space, Status report prepared under the direction of Peter
E. Glaser, The Indian & Eastern Engineer, vol. 118, no. 9 (September
1976)
41 16 Glaser, Peter E., Solar Power Satellites-An Option for Large-scale Power
Generation, presented at Simposio Internacional Sobre, 19-21 October
1977
42 2 [Glaser, Peter E., Reports and Presentations (Solar Power, Space Science
and Technology)], n.d., 1979
42 3 Glaser, Peter E., The Earth Benefits of Solar Power Satellites, presented
at 16th Space Congress, The Canaveral Council of Technical Societies,
25-27 April 1979
42 5 Glaser, Peter E., News: SUNSAT Energy Council Annual Report of the
President for 1979
42 6 Glaser, Peter E., The Outlook for Solar Power Satellites, The Council
for Energy Studies Conference on World Energy Economics IV, 26-28
February 1979
42 7 Glaser, Peter E., The Outlook for Solar Power Satellites, Briefing to the
United Nations Representatives, 2 March 1979
42 17 Glaser, Peter E., and Philip K. Chapman, The Industrial Infrastructure for
the Solar Power Satellite, Submitted to the 1980 Satellite Power Systems
Program Review and Symposium
42 19 Glaser, Peter E., The Solar Power Satellite-The Potential for Private
Investment, presented at the American Astronautical annual meeting, 22
October 1980
42 22 Glaser, Peter E., [Editorial] Space Solar Power Review, vol. 2 (1981)
42 23 Glaser, Peter E., Editorial, Space Solar Power Review, vol. 2 (1981)
42 24 Glaser, Peter E., and Judith A. Mabel, Nutrition and Food Technology
for a Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS), report to
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Lyndon B. Johnson
Space Center Houston, Texas, May 1981
42 25 Glaser, Peter E., Power From Space-A Global Energy Option, address at
the Petroleum Management Program Graduation Exercises, 16 January
1981
42 28 Glaser, Peter E., The Solar Power Satellite-Past, Present, and Future,
Space Solar Power Review, vol. 2 (1981)
42 30 Glaser, Peter E., Strategic Implications of the Solar Power Satellite (SPS)
Option for Defense Strategy, [presentation] March 6, 1981
43 2 [Publications], 1983
43 9 Glaser, Peter E., Evolution of the Solar Power Satellite Concept: The
Utilization of Energy from Space, Space Solar Power Review, vol. 4
(1983)
43 13 Glaser, Peter E., The Commercial Potential of the High Frontier, 1984
43 16 Glaser, Peter E., The Late 80s and 90s Will See Significant
Commercialization of Space Activities, Futurescope (May 1984)
43 19 Glaser, Peter E., The Solar Power SatelliteA Goal for the Economic
Development of Space, 1984
43 21 Glaser, Peter E., The Space Station - Will it Pay Off? paper presented at
the Aviation/Space Writers Association 46th Annual News Conference,
Las Vegas, 9 May 1984
43 26 Glaser, Peter E., Editorial Welcome and Farewell, Solar Energy, vol. 35
(1985)
43 32 Glaser, Peter E., and Mark E. Brender, The First Amendment in Space:
News Gathering Satellites, Issues in Science and Technology, vol. 3, no.
1 (Fall 1986)
PETER E. GLASER. MC 569
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44 3 Glaser, Peter E., Solar Power Satellite Concept Revisited, Space Power,
vol. 6 (1986)
44 10 Glaser, Peter E., The Emerging Opportunities for Solar Space Power,
Space Power, vol. 7, no. 1 (1988)
44 11 Hadlock, Charles R., and Peter E. Glaser, Risk Assessment for Safety,
Space Safety and Rescue 1986-1987, vol. 70, 1988
44 13 [Publications], 1989
PETER E. GLASER. MC 569
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44 16 Zelon, Jon, John Saiz and Peter Glaser, Development of the Space
Station Freedom Refrigerator/Freezer and Freezer, SAE Technical Paper
Series presented at the 20th Intersociety Conference on Environmental
Systems, Williamsburg, Virginia, 9-12 July 1990
44 17 Glaser, Peter E., Power Beaming Options for the Space Station, paper
presented to Space Commerce 90 Panel on Commercialization Facilities
and Services: Space Based, Montreux, Switzerland, 28 March 1990
44 18 Glaser, Peter E., Power From Space: A Global Option for the 21st
Century (Abstract), Presentation at the Plenary Lecture, International
Space University, 24 June 1990
44 19 Glaser, Peter E., Power From Space for Use on Earth: An Emerging
Global Option, (1990)
44 20 Glaser, Peter, Reach for Clean Power From Space, Space News (May
28-June 3, 1990)
44 21 Glaser, Peter E., Garcy C. Koger, Dale N. Larson, and James R. Valentine,
et al., Development of a Portable Contamination Detector for Use During
EVA, SAE technical paper presented at the 21st International Conference
on Environmental Systems, reprinted from: Space Station and Advanced
EVA, 15-18 July 1991
44 22 Glaser, Peter E., Potential for Commercial Exploitation of Microgravity,
October, 1991
44 23 Glaser, Peter E., Power from Space: An Option for the 21st Century,
Update United Nations Centre for Science and Technology for
Development (UNCSTD) no. 47 (Fall 1991)
44 24 SPS 91-Glaser, Peter E., The Solar Power Satellites Option Re-
examined, 1991
45 3 Glaser, Peter E., Japan-The 21st Centurys Global Energy Supplier? The
Journal of Practical Applications in Space, vol. 5, no. 1 (Fall 1993)
45 4 Glaser, Peter E., The Power Relay Satellite, paper presented at the
International Astronautical Federation, 1993
45 5 Glaser, Davidson, and Csigi (eds. ), Solar Power Satellites: The Emerging
Energy Option, 1993
45 8 Glaser, Peter E., and Raymond S. Leonard, Solar Energy Systems for
Industrialization, Space Power, vol. 13, nos. 3 & 4, 1994
E. Public appearances
F. Congressional testimony
51 9 Peter D. Glaser, The Satellite Solar Power StationA Focus for Future
Space Activities, Presentation to the Subcommittee on Space Science and
Applications of the Committee on Science and Technology, U.S. House of
Representatives, 22 July 1975
52 4 [Clippings, 1993-1994]
53 1 Publications, [1984]
PETER E. GLASER. MC 569
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53 2 [Publications, 1990]
53 4 [Publications, 1990-1992]
53 5 Papers, 1992-1994
55 8 Argue, Tom, Josh Croix, Steve Hosman, Glen Hybarger, Jackie Joplin,
Kevin Kelley, Nicole Ledoux, Lunar Solar Power System
Collection/Conversion Preliminary Design, 9 August 1996
60 6 Detjen, Jim, Grand Visions for the Earth, Philadelphia Enquirer (3 June
1990)
60 10 Dubner, Mike, Bryan Ehrsam, Brad Greer, Mike Padilla, Roger Strew,
Lunar Based Solar Power System Preliminary Design presented to Dr. T.
R. Lalk, 9 August 1996.
60 11 Duncan, Lewis M., and John Zinn, Solar Power Satellites: The
Ionospheric Connection, 1978
64 7 Marsh & McLennan, Inc., Satellite Power System (SPS) Initial Insurance
Evaluation, September 1980
66 4 Ott, James H., and James S. Rice (Novar Electronics Co. ), Digital SPS
Phase Control Using Traveling Wave Interferometry, October 1978
68 7 Ridings, Holly, David Coan, Kim Renzi, Gef Fluker, and Jason Besly,
Lunar Solar Power System Integration Preliminary Design, 29 April
1996
76 1 Photographs, 1972
89 12 Boeing-SPS, [1979]
PETER E. GLASER. MC 569
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90 7 Photograph, n.d.
91 6 Shiner, Linda, 300 Billion Watts, 24 Hours a Day: Peter Glaser Wont
Give Up on His Cosmic Solution to the Worlds Upcoming Energy
Crunch, Air and Space, June/July 1990
92 9 SPS [Solar Power Satellites] papers, [1957, 1970, 1978, 1992, 1994, 1996]
93 4 SPS [Solar Power Satellites] report-Phil [request for Glaser to edit], n.d.
PETER E. GLASER. MC 569
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C. Other topics