National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Current Technologies & Products

• Radiometers
  • Specialized sensors for detection of residual thermal energy in structure and enclosures operating at cryogenic temperatures.
• Thermophysical properties measurements
  • Cryostat based thermophysical properties measurements (e.g., thermal conductivity and specific heat) as a function of temperature for materials spanning 4K – 300K.
• ADR (Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerator) Systems
  • Magnetic refrigeration system that can provide cooling to sub-Kelvin temperatures. These systems include no moving parts and are typically used on the lower side of a compound cycle that includes a cryocooler on the high side.
• 10K ADR
  • Magnetic refrigeration system with heat rejection capability to a temperature sink at 10K.
• Piezo-electric Heat Switch
  • Thermal FCL (Flexible Conductive Link) that fosters intimate contact with either a temperature source or sink location via actuation by a piezo-electric motor.
• IIB (Ideal Integrating Bolometer)
  • Bolometer featuring regulated thermal conductance to the heat sink.   This fosters a reduction in the photon detection times required on Far-IR surveyor missions.
• Cryogenic and Microgravity Fluid Management
  • Design of fluid management devices (e.g., Propellant Management Devices and Wicking Structures) for cryogen tanks, as well as microgravity fluid transfer systems.
• Radiative Coolers
  • Radiator design for passive cooling to cryogenic temperatures.
• Helium Based Systems
  • Design and test of helium based cryogen storage systems and closed fluid loops for use with both He-I and He-II.
• Porous Plugs
  • Design and test of porous plugs for Superfluid Helium flows in microgravity.
• Dewar Design
  • Dewar design for both Ground-based performance testing, as well as spaceflight systems.
• Comet Sample Retrieval Mechanism
  • Ground penetrating tools with soil retrieval capability and negligible contamination.