This paper describes the ongoing NASA research and technology program to provide low and ultralow temperature cryogenic cooler systems for future space missions. These include mechanical, solid cryogen, superfluid helium, helium-3, and helium-3/helium-4 dilution coolers. All systems must function in the zero gravity environment of space. The temperatures produced by these coolers range from tens of kelvin down to a few millikelvin. Operating lifetimes required vary from a few weeks for a Shuttle/Spacelab mission to as long as nine years for future missions to the outer planets. At the higher temperatures, cooling loads for sensors or detectors, and associated sun shields may range up to a few watts. At the ultralow temperature end, cooling loads must be limited to tens of microwatts. In addition to the description of the research and technology efforts on cooler systems, the projected NASA missions and associated sensors and instruments that will utilize these coolers will be discussed.
NASA low and ultralow temperature cryogenic cooler systems for space missions
Kuehlsysteme der NASA zur Erzeugung tiefer und tiefster Temperaturen in der Raumfahrt
ISA Transactions ; 19 , 1 ; 3-14
1980
12 Seiten, 7 Bilder, 3 Tabellen
Article (Journal)
English
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