Peter G. Wilhelm

08/16/1935 - 10/26/2025

Peter G. Wilhelm, a pioneering engineer whose work helped define U.S. Naval and National space programs, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025.
A Purdue University graduate (B.S.E.E '57), Mr. Wilhelm joined the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in 1959 and rose to become Director of the Naval Center for Space Technology. He served as chief engineer for the first GPS satellite (NTS-2) and for the recently declassified Parcae Program. He guided development of more than 100 spacecraft that advanced global navigation, reconnaissance, communications, and space science. He was named a Pioneer of National Reconnaissance by the NRO in 2000, received the DoD Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the Presidential Meritorious Executive Award, and was elected to the National Academy of Engineering. Mr. Wilhelm is remembered for his brilliance, humility, and lifelong dedication to public service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pete's memory to https://www.aiaa.org/foundation/how-to-give