A prototype ultra low temperature cryogen free refrigerator has been developed at the Mullard Space Science Laboratory that may be coupled to ground based cryo-coolers or space cryo-coolers. Enabling such detectors to be used, in which the fact that the detector is at very low temperature is of little concern. A development system has ben constructed as proof of consent for two space based refrigeration systems, one of which is under construction. The developed system and subsequent systems provide a compete turnkey refrigeration system for cryogenic detector cameras. The refrigeration system may be utilized in either static or in moving environments, for example vehicles, aircraft or satellites, since the power consumption is low between 24 and 224 Watts and masses are in the region of 50-90 Kg, depending on the system.
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