Spacelab 2 infrared telescope cryogenic systemThe paper discusses the development of a cryogenic helium system to provide cooling to a scanning infrared telescope for the Spacelab 2 mission. The infrared optical/detector system and related electronics are being developed by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the University of Arizona. A superfluid helium dewar and porous plug phase separator permit gas cooling of the infrared focal plane assembly to about 2.5 K, and of the two telescope sections to 8 K and 60 K. The design of the cryogenic system,including a commandable vacuum cover, and the prelaunch liquid helium servicing and maintenance approach were discussed. It is concluded that the system will satisfy the Infrared Telescope requirements, and the superfluid helium system shall be capable of satisfying cryogenic helium cooled requirements for the next several years.
Document ID
19800033267
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Urban, E. W. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Katz, L. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, Ala., United States)
Hendricks, J. B. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Karr, G. R. (Alabama, University Huntsville, Ala., United States)