SBIR-STTR Award

The Origins Space Telescope (OST) requires cryocooler exported vibration of less than 100 mN, which will be challenging to achieve with current technologies given the expected 500 mN to 1N exported force amplitude in the uncompensated cryocooler cross axes. The baseline Lynx design recognizes this challenge, presently assuming that a mechanical isolation structure and a long transfer line between the cryocooler compressor and cold head will provide the necessary vibration isolation for the microcalorimeter instrument. This approach carries structural design risk and necessitates a complicated, custom, unproven cryocooler integration scheme. West Coast Solutions (WCS) and teammate Lockheed Martin Space (LM Space) propose to develop an active Cryocooler Exported Vibration Reduction System (CEVRS) for use with mechanical cryocoolers to reduce the jitter exported to the optical instrument and to simplify the cryocooler integration. Our target applications are sensitive space instruments in general, and the Origins Space Telescope (OST) and Lynx missions in particular. WCS will perform a trade study to downselect between an Electromechanical Cancellation system and a Piezoelectric Isolation system. In parallel and in close coordination with LM Space, WCS will develop the concept designs for the LM Mega Compressor to inform how it, and similar compressors, can be integrated into payloads such as Lynx and OST utilizing CEVRS to achieve the target low vibration. Finally, the Phase II demonstration system and proposed test protocol will be defined. Anticipated

Benefits:
The early involvement of LM Space makes practical the near term targeting of the Lynx and OST opportunities, which enhances our confidence in the transition prospects for CEVRS. Cryocooler jitter is a constant challenge across the space IR imaging industry going far beyond Lynx and OST. By ensuring that the requirements are well informed by LM Space and the Lynx and OST program offices, we expect the successful completion through Phase II to lead directly into one of more program opportunities. Ballistic missile defense, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and other non-NASA US Government missions have similar jitter requirements. These programs would generally require a larger constellation, so the expected market opportunities are larger, perhaps by a factor of three.

West Coast Solutions (WCS) and teammate Creare are developing the Compact Cryocooler Electronics (CCCE) to meet NASA’s need for highly miniaturized, radiation hard electronics to pair with small cryocoolers for space missions. Based on the Phase I results, the CCCE is projected to achieve a package size of 4 in3 for a power level of 25W, representing a stunning 75% volume reduction versus competing technology. Small (~ 300 g) cryocoolers are already available with more in development which are capable of supporting infrared sensing on very small satellites, all the way down to 2U (10 x 10 x 20 cm). CCCE makes relevant to the small sat industry the recent tactical cryocooler developments focused on hot midwave infrared (HMWIR), nominally 120K to 150K operation. West Coast Solutions, teamed with Creare, is applying decades of industry-leading experience and success in novel cryocooler electronics solutions to the development of the industry’s first radiation hard CCE targeting this new class of low voltage, low power cryocoolers. For missions requiring a high performance, long-life space cryocooler, the CCCE is paired with the LM Space Micro Pulse Tube. Longer term, the proposed effort is strongly leveraged by ongoing Missile Defense Agency-funded small satellite cryocooler development efforts to improve even further upon the current state of the art in miniature coolers, extending the applicability of this proposed research to long wave infrared (LWIR). During Phase I the brassboard electronics was successfully tested with five different small cryocoolers, including the Micro PT. Progress in Phase I has the CCCE Team on track to complete the development through TRL 6 Qualification Testing in Phase II, which could lead to flight opportunities as soon as late 2022. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): Any spaceborne infrared sensor requiring use of a small cryocooler, such as for Earth imaging, planetary exploration, space-to-space viewing, Artemis program, etc. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): This technology is of great interest to the Department of Defense as it pursues its Resiliency through Disaggregation approach by which one or few large satellites are replaced with a large constellation of small satellites. Duration: 15