Cryogenics in Space - A review of the missions and technologies

Applications of cryogenics in space The development, in-orbit commissioning, and operation of cryogenic instrumentation in space raises the level of mission complexity, risk and associated cost. Any application must then be justified on the basis of its specific return. In the case of scientific missions, the cryogenic detectors and related payloads are the only candidates for the accomplishment of the mission objectives, offering unmatched performance and unique advantages. In the case of other applications, such as telecommunications, the advantages offered by superconducting devices need to be evaluated against their development and operating costs, and compared with alternative technologies.