A Cryogenic Heat Transport Loop for Space-Borne Gimbaled Instruments

"A high-performance cooling system for gimbal-mounted infrared sensors is a critical need for future space-based target acquisition and tracking systems. The optimal approach uses a high performance cryocooler remotely located on the spacecraft platformcombined with a high conductance, cryogenic heat transport system to exchange heat from the sensors to the cryocooler. The heat transport system must be highly reliable, compact, lightweight, high conductance, produce minimal additional parasitics, andimpose minimal torque on the gimbal. To meet these challenging requirements, we propose to develop a single-phase cryogenic heat transport loop consisting of a highly reliable, miniature cryogenic circulator; flexible transfer lines; and compact,effective heat exchangers. During Phase I, we will prove feasibility of the concept by: (1) producing a preliminary design of the system, and (2) performing life cycle fatigue tests and flexibility tests on the transfer lines at cryogenic temperatures.During Phase II, we will fabricate and test the system at cryogenic temperatures. Creare is uniquely qualified to develop this system because of our extensive experience in developing high-performance cryocoolers, high-speed cryogenic turbomachines, andhigh-effectiveness, compact heat exchangers. The proposed cryogenic circulating loop will provide highly reliable cross-gimbal cooling in a compact package. Military applications include space-bas