Thermal Strap Increases Cryocooling Efficiency

Report discusses concept for decreasing compressor power consumed by spacecraft mechanical cryocooler providing 0.5 W of refrigeration at temperature of 61 K at tip of cold finger. Involves connecting thermal strap between radiator or other heat sink at intermediate temperature and stiffening ring located on cold finger about one-third way from base to tip and attains temperature of about 250 K during normal operation. Depending upon specific design, electrical power consumed by mechanical cryocooler reduced by half.