Thermal vacuum testing of the compact cryocooler control electronics (C3E) with the Lockheed Martin microcryocooler

Increasing interest in flying infrared sensor payloads on small satellites is driving the need for small scale, low input power (say, < 40W) cryocooler systems. Numerous tactical Stirling cryocooler models are available in this power range from a number of established manufacturers. In addition, Lockheed Martin has developed a miniature pulse tube cryocooler well-suited to meet the aggressive performance and packaging requirements for a small satellite infrared payload. Up until now, the space industry has lacked suitably matched small, radiation tolerant cryocooler control electronics to drive such cryocoolers. West Coast Solutions, in collaboration with Creare, has recently completed the design, build, test, and environmental qualification of a new product dubbed the Compact Cryocooler Control Electronics (C3E), which has been architected from the bottom up with a focus of minimizing packaging volume. The result is a new generation of small satellite cryocooler electronics weighing less than 400 grams. In addition to the environmental qualification testing, integrated thermal vacuum testing was performed with the C3E and the Micro1-2 Lockheed Martin Microcryocooler. A design overview of C3E, performance and qualification testing of the C3E, and the results from the integrated C3E - Microcryocooler test are presented.