Anna Forrester
Lockheed Martin has built a lightweight satellite cooling system with a power density of 150 watts per kilogram as part of the efforts to develop compact and high-power cryocoolers for electronics aboard spacecraft.
The company said Tuesday the High Power Microcryocooler works to cool down sensors, cameras and other satellite optics and electronics to as low as -320 degrees Fahrenheit.
The cooling system has an operational lifespan of more than 10 years, Lockheed added.
Jeffrey Olson, a research scientist at Lockheed’s Advanced Technology Center, noted that the High Power Microcryocooler builds on a previous lightweight design by adding the capability to support a higher power density.
According to Lockheed, the combination of a compact design and increased power works to make spacecraft more affordable and boost the performance of infrared sensors.
