Cryogenic Vibration Damping Mechanisms for Space Telescopes and Interferometers, Phase I

In its mission to understand how galaxies, stars, and planetary systems form, NASA's Origins Technology Program calls for advances in "enabling component and subsystem technology" for large space telescopes and other optical instruments that operate at cryogenic temperatures. In particular, the precision alignment of optical components that is required for detecting faint signatures from distant light sources presents a formidable challenge within a cryogenic environment. To meet this challenge, CSA proposes to mature magnetic eddy current vibration damping technology for use at 45 Kelvin and below. Eddy current technology is the only passive means for damping vibration in a target structure in this temperature range. Existing test data for CSA's prototype device (Figure 1) indicates that 4-8% of critical damping can be induced at temperatures as low as 17 Kelvin without adding significant weight to a target structure. The proposed Phase 1 effort would include development of analysis and test methods as well as conceptual design for a family of passive tuned mass vibration damping devices that are suitable for a host of NASA missions, including SIM, TPF, and JWST. The proposed effort offers a new approach to sub-micron level alignment and pointing control.

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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