NLR Develops Innovative Cooling System for Antimatter Experiment in ISS
AMSTERDAM, May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Four days after the Endeavour launch the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) has been successfully installed on the International Space Station (ISS).
The 6700 kg Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) is a state-of-the-art particle physics detector designed to operate as an external module on the International Space Station. It will use the unique environment of space to study the universe and its origin by searching for antimatter and dark matter
The Nationals Aerospace Laboratory (NLR) developed an important cooling system for this instrument.
The AMS-02 contains sensors that measure cosmic radiation and detect dark matter or antimatter. The sensors should function well for at least ten years and are maintained at a fixed temperature. To ensure equitable temperature conditions, a highly advanced cooling system was developed based on two-stage CO2 cooling. Nikhef initially developed the concept, with NLR further developing and building the system.
The AMS-2 was on board the space shuttle Endeavour, which on 16 May was launched for the last time for a flight to the ISS. AMS-02 was developed by a team of some 500 scientists hailing from 56 scientific institutes in 16 countries.
Photo: The AMS02 in the shuttle is docked to ISS.
http://www.nikhef.nl/generalstorage/tt-news/nieuws/nieuws-item/article/ 27-04-2011-nikhef-koelsysteem-de-ruimte-in/1
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