Miniature space pulse tube cryocoolers

摘要

Cryogenic coolers for use in space on smallsatellites require low power and minimum weight. The need forexceptional reliability in a space cooler is made even more criticalon small satellites since cooler redundancy is often not an optiondue to weight and power constraints. In this paper we report on ourspace qualified pulse tube cooler designed specifically for use onsmall satellites.The miniature pulse tube cooler is intended for greater than 10year long-life space application and incorporates a non-wearingflexure bearing compressor vibrationally balanced by a motor-controlled balancer and a completely passive pulse tube cold head.The efficient cooler control electronics incorporate temperatureand vibration control systems as well as extensive telemetry andengineering diagnostics. Cooler systems incorporating themechanical cooler and associated drive electronics have been flightqualified and launched in 1997 as focal plane coolers. Fouradditional flight coolers have recently been delivered for use incooling optics in an infrared telescope system. In this paper wereport the performance and flight qualification of these mechanicalcoolers and flight electronics.