Advanced cryogenic technology for space based infrared surveillance and stored cryogens

Current space cryocooler developments have achieved performance and capability that have made the use of active refrigeration in space missions feasible. Space flight demonstrations baselined and implemented active refrigeration to achieve mission goals. These applications of cryocooler technology validate the improved mission capabilities and reliability and lifetime confidence in active refrigeration in space. Current cryogenic integration and cryocooler development programs address the negative impacts of the cryogenic system on optical space systems including: induced line of sight vibration, longevity, power consumption, mass, thermal transport, thermal storage, and thermal switching. However, the cryogenic cooling requirements for future Air Force systems may require large capacity cryogenic cooling, extremely mass and power efficient mechanical refrigerators, and significant improvements in long term on orbit cryogen storage. The technical efforts at AFRL concentrate on exploratory and advanced development programs that focus on the development of technology from concept and breadboard engineering models to protoflight models that are geared to experimental characterization and technology transition for night demonstrations and, potentially, operational programs. This paper focuses on mid term and out year cooling requirements for the Air Force Space Based Infrared System Low, Space Based Laser, Advanced Space Based Infrared System, and other Department of Defense space missions. In addition, current and planned Air Force programs to address these requirements are outlined