Low Cost Cryocooler Control Electronics for Space Missions

Many NASA and commercial space science missions require high performance electronics within strict budgetary limits. Many of these missions; therefore, use commercial grade electronic products despite significant technical risk due to lack of radiation hardness. Creare proposes to evolve our commercial‑grade, three-phase Brushless DC motor drive electronics for missions which require radiation hardened cryocoolers at reasonable cost. During Phase I, we will develop a drive electronics design which meets cost and radiation hardness requirements for lunar and planetary missions. We will ensure compatibility for upcoming missions by working closely with a leading developer of low-cost cryocoolers with nearly100 space flight coolers delivered to date. During Phase II, we will work closely with our partner to fabricate and qualify an integrated and low-cost cryocooler solution. Successful completion of this program will enable advanced sensor systems for space-borne science, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

The successful completion of this program will provide mission planners with high performance and low‑cost cryocooler control electronics that satisfy radiation hardness requirements for small platform missions. The primary NASA application will be for cooling detectors, sensors, shields, and telescopes for planetary science missions.

The proposed cryocooler control electronics are ideal for small, cost-constrained satellite missions such as LEO cubesats. Military applications include space‑based surveillance for Operationally Responsive Space missions and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.