Life testing of the ABI cryocooler: Two years complete

► The ABI life test cryocooler has been under test for 20months. ► The cooler itself shows no degradation in performance. ► Observed anomalies appear to be limited to test conditions, not the cooler itself. The Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) is a prime payload for the GOES-R (Geostationary Operation...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cryogenics (Guildford) 2012-04, Vol.52 (4-6), p.183-187
Main Authors: Ramsey, Perry G., Swanson, Kirsten S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerospace systems
Applied sciences
Cold heading
Coolers
Cryocooler
Cryogenics
Design engineering
Energy
Energy. Thermal use of fuels
Exact sciences and technology
Focal plane
HEC
Life test
Payloads
Refrigerating engineering. Cryogenics. Food conservation
Simulation
Spacecraft
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Description
Summary:► The ABI life test cryocooler has been under test for 20months. ► The cooler itself shows no degradation in performance. ► Observed anomalies appear to be limited to test conditions, not the cooler itself. The Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) is a prime payload for the GOES-R (Geostationary Operational Environmental Spacecraft) series of meteorological satellites. Focal plane temperature control is provided by a two-stage cryocooler based on the NGAS HEC (Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems High Efficiency Cryocooler) design. To demonstrate the long-term operation of this cooler, a dedicated life test is being performed. The life test cooler is close to the flight design, differing only in minor details of the cold head structure. The test concept simulates continuous operation the cooler at flight like conditions. Long term testing started on 12 June 2009, and has continued to this date. Test performance and anomalies are discussed.
ISSN:0011-2275
1879-2235
DOI:10.1016/j.cryogenics.2012.01.021