Active cryocooling needs for NASA space instruments and future technology development

Many NASA’s highly sensitive instruments require advanced active cryocoolers to enable their detectors, optics, and low noise amplifiers to reach their full performance potential. These instruments include infrared, X-ray, millimeter-wave and quantum communication instrument systems for earth science, planetary science, and astrophysics. The operating temperatures of these instruments range from approximately 150 K to below 0.1 K. This paper first reviews the status of current active cryocooling technologies for these applications. It then describes the performance improvements needed for these cooling systems to support wider adaptation of advanced cryogenic instruments in future missions. In addition to enhancing cooler performance in terms of thermal efficiency, cooling capacity, size and mass, the paper also discusses the needs for developing high-power cryocooler control electronics, improving waste heat management subsystem, and reducing exported vibrations. Finally, the paper recommends strategies for NASA to support and coordinate cooler development efforts in NASA centers, cryocooler industries and academic institutes to advance technologies needed for future missions.