Control Electronics for Space-Qualified Cryogenic Coolers

Future MDA space missions will utilize small spacecraft with correspondingly small, advanced sensor systems. Cooling of these sensors is required to decrease detector noise and increase detector sensitivity by maintaining the detector at a reduced operating temperature. The cooling system comprises a mechanical cryocooler and its control electronics, both of which are critical technologies to enable future missions. Creare proposes to develop high-reliability cryocooler control electronics that lead to unprecedented reductions in size and weight of the cooling system. During Phase I, we will work closely with our academic and commercial team partners to adapt earlier designs of cryocooler control electronics to achieve MDA’s stated goals for total power, heat lift, controlled temperature, and low volume, while simultaneously providing high reliability and low or controlled vibration. During Phase II, we will continue working closely with our partners to fabricate and qualify protoflight high-reliability electronics with representative cryocoolers. Successful completion of this program will permit MDA to include cryogenically cooled advanced sensor systems for space-borne missions on small spacecraft with low power consumption, high efficiency, and low or controlled vibration. Approved for Public Release | 18-MDA-9522 (23 Feb 18)