CubeSat-Sized Space Microcryocooler

There is an increasing desire to perform Earth science and astrophysics missions with small satellite platforms. Among these missions, there are many instruments such as infrared imaging and spectroscopy and sensitive UV measurements which require cryogenic sensors. This paper describes the capabilities of several CubeSat-sized microcryocoolers developed by Lockheed Martin Space that are suitable for small satellite cryogenic sensor applications. These coolers are the only space-quality cryocoolers available that can be packaged within a single U of a CubeSat. They also share the long-life technology attributes used in larger space cryocoolers for missions which typically require 10 years of continuous operation on orbit without degradation. These Lockheed Martin microcryocoolers have been qualified to TRL 6. One cooler has been integrated into CubeSat, which will perform infrared imaging during a lunar flyby, and two others are planned for NASA deep space missions, each of which includes considerable environmental challenges