A zero impact docking concept, where the attitude orbit control system (AOCS) of the chaser spacecraft performs a close-up maneuver within the range of the latching subassembly, is proposed. The AOCS-controlled closure is a feasible solution of the last meter problem taking typical European rendezvous and docking (RVD) mission scenarios into account. The European standard docking interface is characterized by the prism seats on the chaser and the handles on the target. The servicing concept fits well within the modular docking mechanism subsystem approach with minimum interface problems. The latching concept giving high modularity and adaptability can be tailored to the specific mission needs without changing the baseline. A minimum of RVD equipment has to be furnished additionally to existing chaser capabilities to perform the RVD last-meter-approach.
Docking Mechanisms Technology Study
1984
70 pages
Report
No indication
English
NTIS | 1973