The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing the technology for the next generation scientific space missions. The instruments on ATHENA and future far-infrared missions will make use of highly sensitive cryogenic detectors that require an accurate suspension with low thermal conductivity.
NTS Mecon and SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research are developing for ESA a Kevlar suspension for cryogenic detectors at 50 mK. The project goals are to further develop the suspension concept, to assess the technology through testing and to deliver a reliable and reproducible manufacturing process.