Adaptation of the low-cost and low-power tactical split Stirling cryogenic cooler for aerospace applications

A. Veprik; S. Zechtzer; N. Pundak; C. Kirkconnell; J. Freeman; S. Riabzev

doi:10.1117/12.883650

20 May 2011 Adaptation of the low-cost and low-power tactical split Stirling cryogenic cooler for aerospace applications

A. Veprik, S. Zechtzer, N. Pundak, C. Kirkconnell, J. Freeman, S. Riabzev

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8012, Infrared Technology and Applications XXXVII; 80122I (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.883650
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2011, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Cryogenic coolers are often used in modern spacecraft in conjunction with sensitive electronics and sensors of military, commercial and scientific instrumentation. The typical space requirements are: power efficiency, low vibration export, proven reliability, ability to survive launch vibration/shock and long-term exposure to space radiation. A long-standing paradigm of exclusively using "space heritage" equipment has become the standard practice for delivering high reliability components. Unfortunately, this conservative "space heritage" practice can result in using outdated, oversized, overweight and overpriced cryogenic coolers and is becoming increasingly unacceptable for space agencies now operating within tough monetary and time constraints. The recent trend in developing mini and micro satellites for relatively inexpensive missions has prompted attempts to adapt leading-edge tactical cryogenic coolers for suitability in the space environment. The primary emphasis has been on reducing cost, weight and size. The authors are disclosing theoretical and practical aspects of a collaborative effort to develop a space qualified cryogenic refrigerator system based on the tactical cooler model Ricor K527 and the Iris Technology radiation hardened Low Cost Cryocooler Electronics (LCCE). The K27/LCCE solution is ideal for applications where cost, size, weight, power consumption, vibration export, reliability and time to spacecraft integration are of concern.

Citation Download Citation

A. Veprik, S. Zechtzer, N. Pundak, C. Kirkconnell, J. Freeman, and S. Riabzev "Adaptation of the low-cost and low-power tactical split Stirling cryogenic cooler for aerospace applications", Proc. SPIE 8012, Infrared Technology and Applications XXXVII, 80122I (20 May 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.883650

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