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IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques
Volume 48 Number 7, July 2000

Table of Contents for this issue

Complete paper in PDF format

Space-Based High-Temperature Superconductivity Experiment-Design and Performance

E. Polturak, G. Koren, I. Flohr, R. Waller and M. Guelman

Page 1289.

Abstract:

In this paper, we describe the first successful superconductivity experiment in space. The experiment aims to test the long-term survivability of high-temperature superconductors (HTS's) under space conditions. Our system consists of a thin YBa2Cu3O7 film integrated with a cryocooler. The experiment orbits the earth aboard the TECHSAT II satellite as of July 1998. Periodic testing of the device returns data on its resistance,critical temperature, and critical current. As of now, the superconducting film has shown a marginal degradation of its properties. We hope to provide the basic long-term survivability data needed to advance applications of HTS's in space-based communication systems.

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