An overview of Air Force Research Laboratory cryogenic technology development programs

This paper presents an overview of the cryogenic refrigerator and cryogenic integration programs in development and characterization under the Cryogenic Technologies Group, Space Vehicles Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The vision statement for the Air Force Research Laboratory Cryogenic Technologies Group is to support the space community as the center of excellence for developing and transitioning space cryogenic thermal management technologies. The primary customers for the AFRL cryogenic technology development programs are BMDO (Ballistic Missile Defense Organization), the USAF SBIRS (Space Based Infrared) Low program office, and DoD space surveillance programs