Abstract
The problem of active cooling for photo detectors in “nano-satellites” becomes more important because the majority of space missions target Earth observation, and passive cooling does not provide the required temperatures to
achieve the desired Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) levels. Reciprocating compressors used in cryocoolers cause vibrations. VERT Rotors has developed a miniature Conical Rotary Compressor (CRC) with a 1:12 pressure ratio to enable an active heat management system for small satellites. The main differentiation of CRC is that it runs with virtually no vibration which is beneficial for operation with image sensors in a small hull. With a high compression ratio the cooling system is designed to remove 20W of heat, cool to 120-150K, and run at COP>1. A prototype of the compressor has been tested, and the cooling system is undergoing laboratory tests.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 29th Annual AIAA/USU Conference in Small Satellites |
Subtitle of host publication | 2015 - All Systems Go! Critical Pieces for Mission Success |
Publisher | bepress |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Event | 29th Annual Conference on Small Satellite - UT, USA, Logan, United States Duration: 8 Aug 2015 → 13 Aug 2015 |
Conference
Conference | 29th Annual Conference on Small Satellite |
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Country/Territory | United States |
City | Logan |
Period | 8/08/15 → 13/08/15 |