Iris Technology's CCE Takes Center Stage in NASA's COSI Mission: A Leap Forward in Cryogenic Innovation
We're pleased that our Single Piston Low-Cost Cryocooler Control Electronics (SPLCCE) is featured in the latest Cold Facts article on Goddard Goings. Mark Kimball from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center highlights advanced cryogenic technologies for missions like the Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI). Our SPLCCE provides precise thermal management and control, essential for COSI's high-purity germanium detectors. We value this recognition and our role in supporting NASA's work.
The COSI Mission: Ultra-Cold Insights into the Cosmos
COSI, a NASA Small Explorer mission launching in 2027 on SpaceX Falcon 9, will study soft gamma rays from black holes, exploding stars, and galactic element formation. Its 16 detectors require cooling below 90 Kelvin — colder than Earth's extremes.
Our SPLCCE drives the SunPower Cryotel CT-S cryocooler and Active Balancer in the COSI Cryostat Heat Removal Subsystem (CHRS):
Maintains a stable 80 K cold head with ~7 watts of heat lift.
Uses heat pipes and radiators to dissipate heat into space.
Allows efficient customizations on our TRL 9 core, such as vibration damping and power limiting, without full redesigns.
Why Our CCE Excels: Heritage, Customization, and Agility
Proven Flight Heritage: Evolved from 1990s lab tech, it's radiation-hardened and space-qualified, reducing risks — as demonstrated in COSI.
Seamless Customization: We tailor designs via a two-week requirements workshop and 30-day sprint, integrating features like vibration-cancelling algorithms. All changes are engineered and tested for reliable space performance, ensuring smooth integration.
Efficient Delivery: Agile methods enable faster, cost-effective results — COSI's optimized electronics met tight budgets and timelines.
This Cold Facts mention underscores our partnerships with NASA Goddard and Berkeley SSL, advancing cosmic research.
Looking Ahead: Fueling Space Breakthroughs
We're grateful for the spotlight and proud to enable COSI's mapping of antimatter and galactic elements. At Iris Technology, our CCEs are key enablers for missions that deepen universe understanding and inspire future scientists.
Developing cryogenic systems for space, defense, or beyond? We offer datasheets and expert consultations. Contact us to discuss tailored solutions and how we can support your objectives.