Improved Cryogenic Cooling Technology

This activity will significantly reduce the complexity and recurring costs of modular electronics used to operate cryocoolers and other servomechanism drive systems for space applications. With this approach, flight schedules can be compressed due to the availability of appropriate modular hardware. This study will further yield a complete, quantitative understanding of how requirements drive cryocooler electronics cost, which will facilitate proper requirements tailoring to provide best value for future acquisitions. BENEFIT: Significant benefits will accrue to any DoD program office using cryocoolers for space-based infrared sensor payloads. The propose activity will immediately enable the long life, low cost Raytheon Dual Use Cryocooler System. In general, the developed cryocooler electronics will provide best value for any cryocooler system. The focus on cost and complexity is particularly supportive of Responsive Space in that both cost and schedule reductions are strongly enabled. In addition to the Raytheon and cryocooler applications, commercialization will extend to the telemetry and drive subsystems independently.