Cryocooler Vibrational Characterization

The Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR®) VF-200 is scheduled to fly onboard the International Space Station (ISS) in 2014. The VF-200 is a high-power, 200 kW, plasma rocket prototype that will be used to demonstrate and validate key VASIMR® technologies and related plasma exhaust plume physics in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), enabling a possible paradigm shift in high power electric propulsion for manned and unmanned spacecraft. The baseline VF-200 design includes a set of High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) magnet assemblies that are conduction-cooled by cryocoolers. These flights will allow for characterization of the cryocoolers’ natural vibrational modes in varying levels of gravity, from 1g in our lab to Lunar 0.16g, to Martian 0.38g, and to near 0g during parabolic flights.

nduction cooled cryocooler systems are needed for spaceflight applications such as superconducting magnets used in VASIMR. Cryocooler vibrations when operated to reach temperatures < 50K have been identified as problematic in low gravity. Extremely compact cryocooler with vibrations mitigation will allow proper operations of VASIMR for 2014 ISS mission and other application such as exploration beyond LEO, zero boil-off tank, etc.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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