Low Cost Cryocooler Control Electronics for Small Space Platforms

Many of NASAs future space science missions will utilize small spacecraft, and many of these missions will require cryocoolers for cooling detectors, sensors, shields, and telescopes. For Class C and D missions, the cryocooler technical requirements for performance, size, and mass, coupled with the programmatic requirements for minimal cost and development time, are extremely challenging. Flight‑ready cryocoolers and associated control electronics developed for traditional satellites do not meet these technical, cost, or schedule requirements for future small space platforms. Creare proposes to develop low cost cryocooler control electronics. The work proposed expands upon a prior successful Phase II program to increase the output power level of the cryocooler control electronics by 100% and provide enhanced features for driving a state-of-the art cryocooler. This development will enable future space missions requiring increased cooling capacity at an affordable price. Many of NASA’s future space science missions will utilize small spacecraft, and many of these missions will require cryocoolers for cooling detectors, sensors, shields, and telescopes. For Class C and D missions, the cryocooler technical requirements for performance, size, and mass, coupled with the programmatic requirements for minimal cost and development time, are extremely challenging. Flight‑ready cryocoolers and associated control electronics developed for traditional satellites do not meet these technical, cost, or schedule requirements for future small space platforms. Creare proposes to develop a low cost cryocooler control electronics. The work expands upon a prior successful Phase II program to increase the output power level of the cryocooler control electronics by 100% and provided enhanced features for driving a state-of-the art cryocooler. The overall objective of the CCRPP project is to develop and qualify to TRL 6 cryocooler control electronics (CCE) to support future low-cost missions fielding advanced sensors and instruments. 1. Finalize Requirements. We have been funded by our commercial partner in advance of the project to develop requirements. We will review with the government and commercial partner at the start of the project. 2. Design and Build CCE. We will design and build a flight prototype CCE that is expected to meet the established requirements. 3. Analyze Reliability. We will design the CCE to meet the required reliability for extended space flight, using calculations performed according to MIL HDBK 217. 4. Thermal Test. We will test and evaluate the CCE in a vacuum compatible environment and demonstrate conformance to minimum/maximum operating and survival temperatures. 5. Determine EMI/EMC Compatibility. We will test the CCE for EMI/EMC compliance in accordance with MIL STD 461 requirements. 6. Determine Shock/Vibration Tolerance. We verify by test that the CCE can survive typical shock and vibration requirements for space borne systems. 7. Assess Ending TRL. We will assess the ending TRL.  We expect the CCE technology will be at TRL 6.

The successful completion of this program will provide mission planners with high performance and low cost cryocooler systems for advanced sensors and instruments. Primary emphasis will be on achieving low cost, small size, and high performance for cost‑constrained, small space platform missions. NASA applications include cooling of scientific instruments, and weather and environmental monitoring sensors. Non-NASA applications include cooling for missile defense, surveillance, and weather monitoring missions. These systems may be implemented in space or on unmanned aerial vehicles.

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.

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.