[meteorite-list] Satellite Cooling System Breakthrough Developed by Lockheed Martin Space Systems

[Ron Baalke]

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2013/december/124-ss-atc.html

Satellite Cooling System Breakthrough Developed by Lockheed Martin Space Systems

PALO ALTO, Calif., Dec. 4, 2013 - Scientists and engineers at the Lockheed 
Martin Advanced Technology Center (ATC) have developed the lightest satellite 
cryocooler, (cooling system) ever built. The breakthrough is seen as a 
game-changer in the design of affordable, advanced-technology flight systems, 
as it costs up to ten thousand dollars a pound for a satellite to orbit 
the Earth.

Known as a microcryocooler, the new cooling system weighs approximately 
11 ounces, three times lighter than its predecessor, and is expected to 
have an operating life of at least ten years. The microcryocooler operates 
like a refrigerator, drawing heat out of sensor systems and delivering 
highly efficient cooling to small science satellites orbiting the Earth 
and on missions to the outer planets.

"Temperatures as low as -320 F are required for infrared instruments and 
the coolers must operate with minimum power and long lifetimes," said 
Ted Nast, Lockheed Martin fellow at the ATC in Palo Alto. "That is why 
we constantly pursue a deeper understanding of the dynamic effects of 
temperature on cutting-edge technology and develop new systems, like our 
microcryocooler, that will perform successfully within the demands and 
constraints presented by severe, operational thermal environments."

Lockheed Martin is the industry leader in satellite cooling systems, having 
successfully flown more than 25 cryocoolers in space over the past 40 
years- most recently on the WISE and Gravity Probe-B NASA science satellites. 
In addition to space applications, the microcryocooler can be utilized 
in tactical systems, such as unmanned aerial vehicles and tanks.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company 
that employs about 116,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged 
in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment 
of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's 
2012 sales from continuing operations were $47.2 billion.