The TES (Transition Edge Sensors) micro-calorimeter detector technology in the X-IFU instrument for ATHENA (Astrophyics of the Hot and Energetic universe -Europe's next generation X-ray observatory ATHENA) will require cooling down to 50 mK, and a stable and quiet Electro-Magnetic and micro-vibrations environment. In order to achieve this temperature and environment, a cooling chain integrated in a compact cryostat with an optimized electromagnetic environment has to be developed. Critical technology developments are covered, such as mechanical cryocoolers, support structures, radiative and EMC shields, micro-vibrations reduction, and others.

A solution for a “vibration-free” Joule-Thomson cooler using a sorption compressor is presented to answer the needs of potential future Earth observation IR missions with low micro-vibration levels requirements from the European Space Agency. The adopted solution includes a closed cycle JT cooler, using nitrogen as working fluid with an expected cooling power of 1.5W@80K and the fluid circulation is achieved by cycles of adsorption/desorption using metal organic framework sorbent materials. The working principle and chosen parameters of the 80 K vibration-free cooler are shown based on the various stringent requirements (temperature range, performance, consumption etc.) The characterization and validation of some components was already carried out: preliminary results are presented.

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