Problem of joining two vehicles in space for crew transfer, refueling, or vehicle assembly demands that controlled docking collision be performed; two-dimensional analysis of dynamics of probe and drogue docking concept is presented together with effects of various design features and operational procedures on docking performance and loads; analysis was programmed for computation; results show that axial thrust and attitude stabilization assure improved latching, reductions in vehicle radius of gyration generally improve docking ability, and plastic characteristics in probe energy absorbers result in increased capture ability.
Dynamic analysis of probe and drogue docking mechanism
J Spacecraft Rockets
Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets ; 3 , n 5
1966
7 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Englisch
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