Microsat Cryocooler System

ABSTRACT: As the scientific requirements of microsatellites migrate closer to those of larger more-expensive traditional satellites, the technical requirements on the key enabling components and subsystems are becoming more demanding. If the utility of microsatellites is ever to expand to include high performance mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensors, significant advancement in the state of art of small cryocooler systems is required. The proposed effort for the Microsat Cryocooler System (MCS) is to deliver a qualified cryocooler system for cubesat applications that includes a high reliability tactical cryocooler and a miniature set of Low Cost Cryocooler Electronics (mLCCE). This program will increase the Technology Readiness Level of the current mini-Low Cost Cryocooler Electronics (mLCCE) to support both near term spaceborne and airborne platforms. BENEFIT: Advanced component technologies and new electronic architectures will be employed to develop a miniature (nominally 25W) version of the Low Cost Cryocooler Electronics (LCCE). As with LCCE, the developed mini-LCCE (mLCCE) will support a wide range of mechanical cryocooler solutions, making it the ideal solution to meet the Governments wide range of intended CubeSat and microsat missions and orbits. Types of space applications include environmental sensing, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, missile warning, planetary exploration and other low cost spaceflight applications. In addition to serving the space community, the Microsat Cryocooler System is also an ideal fit for tactical airborne Unmanned Aerial Vehicles aiming to increase performance of optical infrared sensors by means of using cryocooler systems. The immediate benefit to the Government is that the mLCCE will be the first miniature rad-hard set of low-cost electronics capable of driving several cryocoolers.