New Space Cryocoolers - High Frequency, Low SWaP, and Low Cost

West Coast Solutions (WCS) proposes the pilot production of a new class of high performance, space cryocoolers geared towards the infrared (IR) sensor cooling needs of the New Space marketplace – dubbed the New Space Cryocooler. The outcome of the Direct to Phase II (D2P2) program will be a Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) 8 technology, ready to begin LRIP. The high frequency (120 Hz) pulse tube cryocooler architecture was selected for improved manufacturability and reduced cost at both the cryocooler level and at the next level of integration, the infrared sensor. The absence of moving parts in the expander reduces cryocooler recurring cost and opens up the opportunity for dramatic manufacturability improvements through tolerance relaxation reducing touch assembly labor. The high operating frequency, which is about 2X that of competing “low cost” cryocoolers from Sunpower and Thales, helps mitigate both optical jitter and electromagnetic interference at the sensor level, while having the additional benefit of reducing cryocooler size and mass.    Possessing all of the necessary technical and management capabilities, West Coast Solutions is uniquely qualified to lead the way into the maturation and transition of the new space cryocooler technology that Air Force, Space Force, and the broader government and commercial IR sensor community need. The underlying intellectual property (IP) is WCS-developed and WCS-owned; WCS is not reliant upon outside technology and/or complex teaming arrangements. The Principal Investigator Dr. Carl Kirkconnell is the former Raytheon Space Cryocooler Product Line Manager. The Program Manager David McGorrin brings 40+ years engineering/ manufacturing experience from Rockwell Collins and Raytheon. The WCS team is rounded out by other former Raytheon space cryocooler technical leaders, including the former Technical Director and the Lead Mechanical Engineer, combining for over 130 years of space cryocooler manufacturing experience. In addition, WCS is already flying TRL 9 technology on “New Space” missions. The proposed effort is simply a continuation of our proven success.Under the proposed Direct to Phase II (D2P2) effort, linear pulse tube cryocooler technology developed on 2024 WCS internal research and development (IRAD) will be matured through a Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) program to meet the required technical, cost and yield targets. The focal point of the effort is the Pilot Production of four (4) flight production cryocoolers, which will include demonstration of the preliminary Manufacturing Plan, including lot screening and qualification, to pave the way for full rate production immediately upon completion of the D2P2 effort.