He earned degrees in naval architecture and mechanical engineering from the Imperial Institute of London, and went on to work for a British shipbuilding firm.
[3] During World War II, Vetlesen worked to rebuild the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
In 1943 he joined the United States Navy, as a Commander in the Special Forces headquarters in London to work with the Norwegian resistance.
After the war, Vetlesen led the United States company representing the Norwegian America Line, and was a founder and chairman of the board of Scandinavian Airlines System.
The prize is awarded for scientific achievement resulting in a clearer understanding of the Earth, its history, or its relations to the universe.