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Cryogenic infrared mission "JAXA/SPICA" with advanced cryocoolers.

Author(s) : SUGITA H., NAKAGAWA T., MURAKAMI H., et al.

Summary

Since the next cryogenic infrared mission "JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)/SPICA (Space Infrared Telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics)" employs advanced mechanical cryocoolers with effective radiant cooling in place of cryogen, the primary mirror, 3.5 m in diameter, and the optical bench can be maintained at 4.5 K for at least 5 years. First, the feasibility of the thermal design of the cryogenic system is presented. A 20 K-class Stirling cryocooler was then improved in cooling capacity and reliability for the mission, and the effects of contaminated working gas or new regenerator materials on cooling performance were investigated. Development of a new 3He-JT (Joule-Thomson) cryocooler for use at 1.7 K is also described, along with the successful results of a cooling capacity higher than the required 10 mW. A 4 K-class cryocooler was modified and developed for higher reliability over a five-year operational life and a higher cooling capacity exceeding the current 30 mW. Finally, the authors discuss a system for heat rejection from cryocoolers using thermal control devices. [Reprinted with permission from Elsevier. Copyright, 2005].

Details

  • Original title: Cryogenic infrared mission "JAXA/SPICA" with advanced cryocoolers.
  • Record ID : 2006-2748
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Publication date: 2006/02
  • Source: Source: Cryogenics/Proc. Space Cryog. Workshop, Colorado Springs
    vol. 46; n. 2-3; 149-157; fig.; tabl.; 8 ref.

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