Peter Tsou

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 obtained his Ph.D. in large-scale engineering systems from the University of California, Los Angeles.[3]

Dr. Peter Tsou, displaying Stardust sample tray during a press conference at Johnson Space Center. Credit-Nasa photo

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]

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.[5] Additionally, he played a significant role in introducing aerogel as a flight-qualified variable density material and capture medium for space missions.

Furthermore, Dr. Tsou has made notable contributions to the field of space thermal insulation by inventing an integrated aerogel thermal-structural design for the Mars Pathfinder Sojourner rover.[6]

His research interests extend to investigating the potential exobiological effects of extraterrestrial bodies and exploring methods to retrieve samples of materials from other planets.[7]

Dr. Tsou has an extensive publication record, with over 60 technical papers authored or co-authored by him. Here are a few selected publications:

• Tsou, P., F. Giovane, J-C. Liou, and R. Corsaro, "Large Area Dust Collection on the International Space Station", 2007.
• Tsou, P., D. E. Brownlee, R. Glesias, C. P. Grigoropoulos, and 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., and Albee, A. L., "Comet Flyby Sample Return", AIAA-85-0465, 1985.

These publications reflect Dr. Tsou's contributions to various aspects of his research, including dust collection, particle extraction, cosmic dust capture, and sample return from comets.

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