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{{Cite web |date=December 2014 |title=Astrobiology of Icy Worlds |url=https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/nai/annual-reports/2014/jpl-icy-worlds/astrobiology-of-icy-worlds/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516190412/https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/nai/annual-reports/2014/jpl-icy-worlds/astrobiology-of-icy-worlds/index.html |archive-date=2024-05-16 |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=astrobiology.nasa.gov}}
{{multiple issues|
{{Infobox scientist
{{BLP primary sources|date=May 2016}}
| name = Peter Tsou
{{citation style|date=May 2016}}
| image = Aerogel nasa.jpg
{{advert|date=May 2016}}
⚫
| caption = Peter Tsou with a sample of [[aerogel]]
| birth_date =
| birth_place =
| citizenship = [[United States]]
| fields =
| workplaces = [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]]
| alma_mater = [[University of California, Berkeley]] ([[Bachelor of Science|BS]], [[Master of Science|MS]]) <br> [[University of California, Los Angeles]] ([[Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]])
| thesis_title =
| thesis_year =
| doctoral_advisor =
| notable_students =
| known_for = [[Stardust (spacecraft)|Stardust]] mission
| awards = [[NASA Group Achievement Award]]<br>[[NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal]]
}}
}}
⚫
[[Image:Aerogel nasa.jpg|thumb|250px|Peter Tsou with a sample of [[aerogel]]]]


'''Peter Tsou''' is a principal science staff member at the [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]] (JPL) of the [[California Institute of Technology]], where he has worked for the past 34 years.<ref name="nasa-bio">{{cite web|url=http://stardust.jpl.nasa.gov/news/bio_ptsou.html |title=Bios - Dr. Peter Tsou |publisher=NASA |accessdate=2006-05-11}}</ref>
'''Peter Tsou''' is a science staff member at the [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]] (JPL) of the [[California Institute of Technology]].<ref name="nasa-bio">{{cite web|url=http://stardust.jpl.nasa.gov/news/bio_ptsou.html |title=Bios - Dr. Peter Tsou |publisher=NASA |accessdate=2006-05-11}}</ref> His research primarily centers around the utilization of [[aerogel]] in [[space exploration]].<ref name="smc">{{Cite web |date=2011-06-13 |title=Intriguing Aerogel Display at SMC |url=http://www.smc.edu/forms/news.asp?Q=51&T=News&P=1 |access-date=2023-01-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613184318/http://www.smc.edu/forms/news.asp?Q=51&T=News&P=1 |archive-date=2011-06-13 }}</ref>


Tsou has served as the [[principal investigator]] (PI) for several missions conducted on the [[Space Shuttle]] and [[Mir]], during which he devised the method of intact capture for [[hypervelocity]] [[Particle|particles]]. He gained recognition for his involvement in the capture and retrieval of [[Comet|cometary]] particles through [[NASA]]'s Stardust mission, where he served as the deputy PI.<ref name="jpl">{{cite web |title=Asteroids, Comets & Satellites: People - Peter Tsou |url=https://science.jpl.nasa.gov/people/Tsou/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413122615/https://science.jpl.nasa.gov/people/Tsou/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-04-13 |publisher=JPL Science}}</ref>
Dr. Tsou's area of focus is utilizing aerogel for space exploration.[https://web.archive.org/web/20110613184318/http://www.smc.edu/forms/news.asp?Q=51&T=News&P=1]

Dr. Tsou is a Principal Investigator (PI) for a number of Shuttle and Mir missions, and is responsible for inventing the technique of intact capture of hypervelocity particles. In addition, his work revolutionized the use of silica aerogel for space missions. He is most famous for his work involving the capture and return of comet particles via NASA's [[Stardust (spacecraft)|STARDUST]] mission, to which Dr. Tsou served as deputy PI.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090413122615/https://science.jpl.nasa.gov/people/Tsou/]


==Education==
==Education==
Dr. Tsou was educated at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned both his B.S. (1965) and M.S. (1966) in Electrical Engineering. He received his PhD in Large Scale Engineering Systems from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1972.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090413122615/https://science.jpl.nasa.gov/people/Tsou/]
Tsou completed his undergraduate studies at the [[University of California, Berkeley]], where he obtained a [[Bachelor of Science|B.S. degree]] in [[electrical engineering]] in 1965, followed by an [[Master of Science|M.S. degree]] in the same field in 1966. In 1972, he received his [[Doctor of Philosophy|Ph.D.]] in large-scale engineering systems from the [[University of California, Los Angeles]].<ref name="jpl"/>


==Career==
==Professional experience==
[[File:NASAstar1.jpg|thumb|Dr. Peter Tsou, displaying Stardust sample tray during a press conference at [[Johnson Space Center]].]]
Since 1974, Dr. Tsou has worked at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, located in Pasadena, CA. He has been involved in multiple projects, most recently as Deputy Principal Investigator (PI) of STARDUST (1994–present). Prior to this, Dr. Tsou served as PI for the MIR Sample Return Experiment (1994–1997), PI for Spacehab II Sample Return Experiment and STARDUST proposal manager (1992–1994), PI for Get Away Special Sample Return Experiment (1989–Present), instrument definition manager (1984–1990), spacecraft system engineer (1982–1990), Task Manager for the Low Cost Solar Array program (1975–1980), and a system engineer (1974–1975).[https://web.archive.org/web/20090413122615/https://science.jpl.nasa.gov/people/Tsou/]
Since 1974, Tsou has been employed at NASA's [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]] (JPL) in [[Pasadena, California|Pasadena, CA]]. Currently, he holds the position of Deputy Principal Investigator for the STARDUST mission, a role he has held since 1994. Tsou has also served as principal investigator for various projects, including the MIR Sample Return Experiment (1994–1997), the Spacehab II Sample Return Experiment, and the Get Away Special Sample Return Experiment (1989–present). He has held several managerial and engineering positions at JPL, including STARDUST proposal manager (1992–1994), instrument definition manager (1984–1990), spacecraft system engineer (1982–1990), task manager for the Low-Cost Solar Array program (1975–1980), and system engineer (1974–1975).<ref name="jpl" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Shattering Arrival for Genesis |url=https://www.science.org/content/article/shattering-arrival-genesis |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=www.science.org |language=en}}</ref>


As of 2020, Tsou was working on two projects at NASA.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NASA Astrobiology Institute {{!}} Peter Tsou |url=https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/nai/directory/tsou-peter/index.html |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=astrobiology.nasa.gov}}</ref> He conducted research in the field of [[astrobiology]] of [[Ice planet|ice planets]] and their potential water-rich environments.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 2014 |title=Astrobiology of Icy Worlds |url=https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/nai/annual-reports/2014/jpl-icy-worlds/astrobiology-of-icy-worlds/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516190412/https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/nai/annual-reports/2014/jpl-icy-worlds/astrobiology-of-icy-worlds/index.html |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=astrobiology.nasa.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 2013 |title=Habitability of Water-Rich Environments, Task 5: Evaluate the Habitability of Small Icy Satellites and Minor Planets |url=https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/nai/annual-reports/2013/asu/habitability-of-water-rich-environments-task-5-evaluate-the-habitability-of-small-icy-satellites-and-minor-planets/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516190649/https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/nai/annual-reports/2013/asu/habitability-of-water-rich-environments-task-5-evaluate-the-habitability-of-small-icy-satellites-and-minor-planets/index.html |archive-date=2024-05-16 |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=astrobiology.nasa.gov}}</ref>
Prior to his work at JPL, Dr. Tsou worked at University of California, Los Angeles, as a project manager on the Climate Impact Assessment Program of the Supersonic Transport (1970–1974), and at TRW as a technical staff member (1966–1968).

Dr. Tsou has won several NASA awards, including the NASA Patent: Large Field of View 3-D Hologram Display System (2000), [[NASA Group Achievement Award]] - STARDUST Project Team (2000), NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal (1997), JPL Inaugural Award for Excellence - Exceptional Technical Excellence (1996), and the NASA Group Achievement Award - Low Cost Solar Array Project (1985).[https://web.archive.org/web/20090413122615/https://science.jpl.nasa.gov/people/Tsou/]

==Technical papers==
During his career, Dr. Tsou has authored and co-authored more than 60 technical papers. Some selected samples:

*Tsou, P., F. Giovane, J-C. Liou, R. Corsaro. "Large Area Dust Collection – on the International Space Station", 2007.
*Tsou, P., D. E. Brownlee, R. Glesias, C. P. Grigoropoulos, M. Weschler, "Cutting Silica Aerogel for Particle Extraction", 36th LPSC, 2307, 2005.
*Tsou, P., "Cosmic Dust Intact Capture Experiment", STAIF-99, 1999.
*Tsou, P., "Hypervelocity Capture of Meteoroids in Aerogel", ASPCS Vol 104, 237–242, 1996.
*Tsou P. & Albee A. L., "Comet Flyby Sample Return", AIAA-85-0465, 1985.


==Research==
==Research==
His research interests for the past two decades have concentrated on achieving a sample return of cometary coma material. He invented the technique of intact capture of hypervelocity particles for just such a mission as [[Stardust (spacecraft)|Stardust]], the 13th proposal for a [[comet]] flyby sample return mission. Working with scientists at [[Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory]], he made the [[aerogel]] material lighter and more suitable for catching the [[comet]] particles.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.discover.com/issues/sep-03/features/featcomet/ |title=To Catch a Comet |author=Irion, Robert |date=October 2003 |publisher=Discover |access-date=2006-05-11 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20031119043720/https://www.discover.com/issues/sep-03/features/featcomet/ |archive-date=2003-11-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He has also introduced the use of aerogel as one of the capture media and flight qualified variable density aerogel for space flight.
Dr. Tsou's research focus has primarily been on the retrieval of cometary samples. He is credited with inventing the method of capturing hypervelocity particles intact, which has been instrumental in missions such as [[Stardust (spacecraft)|Stardust]]. Collaborating with scientists from [[Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory]], he contributed to the development of a lighter [[aerogel]] specifically designed for capturing cometary particles.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.discover.com/issues/sep-03/features/featcomet/ |title=To Catch a Comet |author=Irion, Robert |date=October 2003 |publisher=Discover |access-date=2006-05-11 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20031119043720/https://www.discover.com/issues/sep-03/features/featcomet/ |archive-date=2003-11-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Additionally, he played a role in introducing [[aerogel]] as a flight-qualified variable [[density]] material and capture medium for space missions.

He is the [[principal investigator]] for a series of Shuttle Sample Return Experiments and [[Mir]] Sample Return Experiment with silica aerogel he made at JPL. He continues to develop improved techniques to identify, remove and study particles captured in aerogel.

⚫
Dr. Tsou was responsible for inventing an integrated aerogel thermal-structural design for the Mars Pathfinder Sojourner Rover, another breakthrough for space thermal insulation.<ref name="Tsou, P. 2009">Tsou, P., “STARDUST: a Comet Coma Flyby Sample Return”, IEEE, 2009.</ref>

==Miscellaneous==
Dr. Tsou has donated several samples of aerogel for display at JPL's museum, located on their main campus in Pasadena, CA.[http://www.rainydaytraveler.com/RainyDayTraveler/Pasadena/JPL.htm]

Dr. Tsou donated a piece of aerogel to the Kirkpatrick Science & Air Space Museum, also known as the Omniplex Science Center, for the first public display of the traveling "Stardust Cafe" exhibit.[http://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/files/misc/stardust.pdf]

In 2009, Dr. Tsou donated a sample of space-grade aerogel to Santa Monica College for display in their science complex, with the goal of inspiring more students into the sciences.[https://web.archive.org/web/20110613184318/http://www.smc.edu/forms/news.asp?Q=51&T=News&P=1]

==Quotes==
"It's a perfect landing [...] we are jumping and applauding. I can hardly sleep. Nevertheless I had been waiting 25 years before this night." (Concerning the [[Stardust (spacecraft)|Stardust project]]) {{Citation needed|date=February 2007}}

"It has rounded the [[Sun]] for just 5 circles, that means, most of its materials are well kept at a pristine state 4.5 billion years ago." (Concerning the Stardust project) {{Citation needed|date=February 2007}}


⚫
Furthermore, Dr. Tsou has made contributions to the field of space [[thermal insulation]] by inventing an integrated [[aerogel]] thermal-structural design for the [[Mars Pathfinder]] [[Sojourner (rover)|Sojourner rover]].<ref name="Tsou, P. 2009">Tsou, P., “STARDUST: a Comet Coma Flyby Sample Return”, IEEE, 2009.</ref>
"Aerogel has several unique properties that can provide many useful terrestrial applications."[https://web.archive.org/web/20110613184318/http://www.smc.edu/forms/news.asp?Q=51&T=News&P=1]


His research interests extend to investigating the potential exobiological effects of extraterrestrial bodies and exploring methods to retrieve samples of materials from other planets.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Peter Tsou Inventions, Patents and Patent Applications - Justia Patents Search |url=https://patents.justia.com/inventor/peter-tsou |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=patents.justia.com}}</ref>
"...aerogel has many unique properties that [are] very suitable for space missions and to collect comet particles." [http://stardust.jpl.nasa.gov/anim/tsou_interview1.mov]


==Awards==
"Stardust is the realization of a 25-year dream to capture and return samples from a comet."[http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-16012823.html]{{dead link|date=July 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
* 2000 NASA Patent: Large Field of View 3-D Hologram Display System<ref name="jpl" />
* 2000 [[NASA Group Achievement Award]] – STARDUST Project Team<ref name="jpl" />
* 1997 NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal<ref name="jpl" />
* 1996 JPL Inaugural Award for Excellence – Exceptional Technical Excellence<ref name="jpl" />
* 1985 NASA Group Achievement Award – Low-Cost Solar Array Project<ref name="jpl" />


== In Media ==
"STARDUST, together with other planetary missions, has contributed to our increasing understanding of our past and it will continue to inspire our dreams for the future."<ref name="Tsou, P. 2009"/>
Peter Tsou has appeared on [[Television|TV]] twice as himself.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Peter Tsou |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3308116/ |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=IMDb |language=en-US}}</ref>


* [[Naked Science]] - Season 4, Episode 17: Birth of the Solar System (2007)
"Perhaps for those who dream grand dreams of space exploration to come, this may provide some inspiration in pursuit of such quests and offer suggestions for success in even more extraordinary space explorations in the near future."<ref name="Tsou, P. 2009"/>
* [[The Universe (TV series)|The Universe]] - Season 3, Episode 6: Deadly Comets and Meteors (2008)


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:American scientists]]
[[Category:American scientists]]
[[Category:NASA people]]
[[Category:NASA people]]
[[Category:University of California, Berkeley alumni]]
[[Category:UC Berkeley College of Engineering alumni]]
[[Category:University of California, Los Angeles alumni]]
[[Category:University of California, Los Angeles alumni]]
[[Category:University of California, Los Angeles staff]]
[[Category:University of California, Los Angeles staff]]

Latest revision as of 19:19, 16 May 2024

"Astrobiology of Icy Worlds". astrobiology.nasa.gov. December 2014. Archived from the original on 2024-05-16. Retrieved 2024-05-16.

Peter Tsou
Peter Tsou with a sample of aerogel
CitizenshipUnited States
Alma materUniversity of California, Berkeley (BS, MS)
University of California, Los Angeles (PhD)
Known forStardust mission
AwardsNASA Group Achievement Award
NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal
Scientific career
InstitutionsJet Propulsion Laboratory

Peter Tsou is a science staff member at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) of the California Institute of Technology.[1] His research primarily centers around the utilization of aerogel in space exploration.[2]

Tsou has served as the principal investigator (PI) for several missions conducted on the Space Shuttle and Mir, during which he devised the method of intact capture for hypervelocity particles. He gained recognition for his involvement in the capture and retrieval of cometary particles through NASA's Stardust mission, where he served as the deputy PI.[3]

Education

[edit]

Tsou completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where he obtained a B.S. degree in electrical engineering in 1965, followed by an M.S. degree in the same field in 1966. In 1972, he received his Ph.D. in large-scale engineering systems from the University of California, Los Angeles.[3]

Career

[edit]
Dr. Peter Tsou, displaying Stardust sample tray during a press conference at Johnson Space Center.

Since 1974, Tsou has been employed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, CA. Currently, he holds the position of Deputy Principal Investigator for the STARDUST mission, a role he has held since 1994. Tsou has also served as principal investigator for various projects, including the MIR Sample Return Experiment (1994–1997), the Spacehab II Sample Return Experiment, and the Get Away Special Sample Return Experiment (1989–present). He has held several managerial and engineering positions at JPL, including STARDUST proposal manager (1992–1994), instrument definition manager (1984–1990), spacecraft system engineer (1982–1990), task manager for the Low-Cost Solar Array program (1975–1980), and system engineer (1974–1975).[3][4]

As of 2020, Tsou was working on two projects at NASA.[5] He conducted research in the field of astrobiology of ice planets and their potential water-rich environments.[6][7]

Research

[edit]

Dr. Tsou's research focus has primarily been on the retrieval of cometary samples. He is credited with inventing the method of capturing hypervelocity particles intact, which has been instrumental in missions such as Stardust. Collaborating with scientists from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, he contributed to the development of a lighter aerogel specifically designed for capturing cometary particles.[8] Additionally, he played a role in introducing aerogel as a flight-qualified variable density material and capture medium for space missions.

Furthermore, Dr. Tsou has made contributions to the field of space thermal insulation by inventing an integrated aerogel thermal-structural design for the Mars Pathfinder Sojourner rover.[9]

His research interests extend to investigating the potential exobiological effects of extraterrestrial bodies and exploring methods to retrieve samples of materials from other planets.[10]

Awards

[edit]
  • 2000 NASA Patent: Large Field of View 3-D Hologram Display System[3]
  • 2000 NASA Group Achievement Award – STARDUST Project Team[3]
  • 1997 NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal[3]
  • 1996 JPL Inaugural Award for Excellence – Exceptional Technical Excellence[3]
  • 1985 NASA Group Achievement Award – Low-Cost Solar Array Project[3]

In Media

[edit]

Peter Tsou has appeared on TV twice as himself.[11]

  • Naked Science - Season 4, Episode 17: Birth of the Solar System (2007)
  • The Universe - Season 3, Episode 6: Deadly Comets and Meteors (2008)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Bios - Dr. Peter Tsou". NASA. Retrieved 2006-05-11.
  2. ^ "Intriguing Aerogel Display at SMC". 2011-06-13. Archived from the original on 2011-06-13. Retrieved 2023-01-12.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h "Asteroids, Comets & Satellites: People - Peter Tsou". JPL Science. Archived from the original on 2009-04-13.
  4. ^ "Shattering Arrival for Genesis". www.science.org. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
  5. ^ "NASA Astrobiology Institute | Peter Tsou". astrobiology.nasa.gov. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  6. ^ "Astrobiology of Icy Worlds". astrobiology.nasa.gov. December 2014. Archived from the original on May 16, 2024. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  7. ^ "Habitability of Water-Rich Environments, Task 5: Evaluate the Habitability of Small Icy Satellites and Minor Planets". astrobiology.nasa.gov. August 2013. Archived from the original on 2024-05-16. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  8. ^ Irion, Robert (October 2003). "To Catch a Comet". Discover. Archived from the original on 2003-11-19. Retrieved 2006-05-11.
  9. ^ Tsou, P., “STARDUST: a Comet Coma Flyby Sample Return”, IEEE, 2009.
  10. ^ "Peter Tsou Inventions, Patents and Patent Applications - Justia Patents Search". patents.justia.com. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
  11. ^ "Peter Tsou". IMDb. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
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