Cryocoolers for the ARIEL Cryogenic Test Rig

Tender description

RAL Space are designing the Cryogenic Test Rig (CTR) for the ARIEL payload module (PLM). It consists of a cryogenic shroud and a warm interface plate. Cooling is applied directly to the shroud using cryocoolers, attached via high purity aluminium thermal straps. The test rig requires up to 100 W of cooling at a cold head temperature of 20 K, which has been calculated based on extensive thermal modelling of the system. Margin on this heat lift would ideally be included to account for any modelling inaccuracies, with 50% assumed during the preliminary design phase. A single stage cooler would be preferred, and we expect that multiple coolers would be needed. Lot 1: UKRI wishes to establish a Contract for the provision of Cryocoolers for the ARIEL Cryogenic Test Rig. ARIEL (Atmospheric Remote-Sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey) is a project for RAL Space, part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council. ARIEL will study how planets and planetary systems form and evolve by surveying a large, diverse sample of approximately 1000 extrasolar planets, simultaneously in visible and infrared wavelengths. RAL Space are designing the Cryogenic Test Rig (CTR) for the ARIEL payload module (PLM). It consists of a cryogenic shroud and a warm interface plate. Cooling is applied directly to the shroud using cryocoolers, attached via high purity aluminium thermal straps. The test rig requires up to 100 W of cooling at a cold head temperature of 20 K, which has been calculated based on extensive thermal modelling of the system. Margin on this heat lift would ideally be included to account for any modelling inaccuracies, with 50% assumed during the preliminary design phase. A single stage cooler would be preferred, and we expect that multiple coolers would be needed. We would like to see a costing for all equipment necessary for the coolers to operate: e.g. Coolers, compressors, any ancillary cables/power supplies and delivery. Additional information: To respond to this opportunity please click here: https://ukri.delta-esourcing.com/respond/P4864ZKD4Y