NASA Docking System

The Low Impact Docking System ( LIDS ) is a standard developed by NASA coupling mechanism for spacecraft of the next generation, especially for the Project Constellation. The mechanism itself is patented.

The system was developed by Monty Carroll, Ray Morales, Thang Le and James Lewis as part of the Advanced Docking Berthing System Project at the Johnson Space Center. The group worked for eight years at the coupling mechanism for the now stopped the X-38 Crew Return Vehicle.

In form and function, the LIDS reminiscent of the APAS -89 system, which is on the International Space Station in use. However, it is not compatible with this. LIDS is smaller, lighter and requires less force to the coupling mechanism to trigger as APAS -89. Due to the incompatibility of some of the docking port of the ISS have to be ausgerüstest for the planned link-up of the new Orion spacecraft with the new system.