Docking and berthing of spacecraft

As coupling (English docking) is in space connecting two space ships or modules called during a space rendezvous, which must have to be on an almost identical path. A subsequent solution of the compound is called decoupling.

• 3.1 docking system of the Apollo

• 4.1 APAS -95
• 4.2 SSWP G4000
• 4.3 SSWP M8000
• 4.4 CBM
• 4.5 LIDS
• 4.6 SSAS
• 4.7 RTAS
• 4.8 MRTAS

General

The purpose of the coupling may be a purely technical ( and so common power supply, data exchange) or to allow his ( in manned space flight ) of the crew Exceeded in another module or in a space station. The modules used so far, for example, the modules of the Mir space station serve to provide heaven and earth observation and for biological, technical or physical experiments.

For the surpassing a team of connecting duct must be completely airtight and have a clear width of at least 70 cm, wearing a space suit about 100 cm. After the rocket for crew changes on the International Space Station, the coupling takes place within two days after the new regime already after 6 hours.

For two spacecraft can couple to each other, their orbits must be nearly identical and their mutual speed fall below a technically predetermined limit, which is located in sensitive modules in the range of a few centimeters per second (and at web speeds 7-8 km / s). The approach of the two tracks is done usually gradual, since the individual necessary for this orbital maneuvers are not possible with absolute accuracy; between precise orbit determination are required, which are usually supported by terrestrial ground stations.

Only in the last phase approach - as soon as visual contact and the distances are below a few kilometers - is a direct control by the spaceman possible and useful. Russian spacecraft couple usually fully automatic.

The first coupling of the space took place on March 16, 1966 by Gemini 8, controlled by Neil Armstrong and David Scott. Coupling partner was the Gemini Agena Target Vehicle, an unmanned target satellite.

The first automated docking was performed by two unmanned Soyuz spaceships: Cosmos 186 and 188 coupled on 30 October 1967.

In June 1997, led a failed Ankoppelungsmanöver a Progress spacecraft with the Mir space station for the collision with the Spektr module of the space station, which was seriously damaged. Here, the life of that Mir crew was in serious danger.

The Russian engineer Vladimir Siromjatnikow is regarded as the father figure of the Russian Docking Module.

Soviet or Russian Kopplungssyteme

Coupling system contact

For the moon program Kopplungssytem named contact has been developed. It consisted of a passive and an active part. The active part of the lunar Soyuz 7K- LOK should hook into a plate with several holes on the lunar module LK. This system came but due to the problems with the N1 moon rocket never used.

Coupling system of the 7K- OK

This system also consists of a passive and an active part. The passive part has the shape of a funnel, and receives the active portion. This system was developed for the coupling of the Soyuz spacecraft with each other. It docked the ships involved mechanically and electrically to each other. However, there was no way for the spaceman through the coupling adapter through the spaceships to change. A switch could be performed only by a Weltraumaustiegs. For the first time the system came during the flight of the unmanned Soyuz spacecraft Cosmos 186 and 188 are used.

SSWP

The coupling system has been developed for the coupling of the Soyuz spacecraft with the Salyut -governmental organizations and consists of an active and passive part.

APAS

The Androgynous Peripheral Attach System ( APAS ) (Russian АСПП, ​​Агрегат Стыковочный Пассивный Периферийный, zm passive device peripheral coupling ) was developed in 1975 as APAS -75 system for the Apollo - Soyuz Test Project. Then there developed the APAS -89 system for the coupling of the Space Shuttle Buran on the Mir space station. By means of an adapter could also U.S. Space Shuttle to the Mir docking to the system. For the ISS, the system was further developed as APAS -95 for coupling the space shuttle.

The androgynous docking system APAS -89 Buran, for the space shuttle to APAS -95 developed

U.S. power systems

Docking system of the Apollo

Conceptually similar to the system of the Soyuz was the docking system of the Apollo spacecraft from an active part in the Command Module (CM ) and a passive part of the lunar module (or the MDA in the case of Skylab ). The active part of the probe was controlled by one of the two spacecraft, is introduced into the cone of the passive part and attracted by a spring system. At the outer diameter then engaged a twelve claw-like latch and connected the vehicles tightly together. Probe and cone then had to be manually removed and stored. The connection was both electrically by unlocking the bolt, on the other hand pyrotechnic blasting through the entire docking hardware (which then remained on the passive side ) separable.

An active part of Apollo

Coupling to the International Space Station ISS

For coupling of the modules of the ISS for the intended purpose different coupling mechanisms are used. There are adapters for coupling a pressurized, as well as adapter portions for coupling non-pressurized modules or equipment racks. The Russian part uses the already developed in the Soviet Union systems, the U.S. portion corresponding to others. For the coupling of both parts of the PMA -1 was used.

APAS -95

The Russian " Androgynous Peripheral Attach System" ( APAS -95) based on the experience from the Apollo - Soyuz Test Project. It is used for the connection of the Russian part of the U.S. portion of the ISS on PMA -1. In addition, it comes to docking of Shuttle vehicles to the Pressurized Mating Adapters for use.

APAS -95 in passive mode to PMA -2

SSWP G4000

This is the passive part of the Soyuz - coupling system and is built to Pirs, Poisk, Rassvet and Zvezda for coupling Soyuz, Progress and ATV.

Active coupling adapter to the Russian space freighter Progress

SSWP M8000

The SSWP M8000 is a so-called hybrid system, which was developed from SSVP and APAS for the coupling of the great Russian modules. This uses the outer ring of the APAS and the " funnel - bars " design of SSWP. Thus it has a larger diameter than the SSWP G4000. For use in a coupling of the modules Zarya, Zvezda, Pirs and Poisk.

CBM

The U.S. "Common Berthing Mechanism" (CBM) is suitable with 127 cm diameter for large cargo items. It connects the U.S. and parts of the ISS was to dock with the Multi- Purpose Logistics Module used. Now use the Japanese HTV supply ship, the Dragon and Cygnus this mechanism.

HTV, Japanese supply module

PMA -1, the Russian-American joint ISS

LIDS

The U.S. Low Impact Docking System ( LIDS ), other designations NASA Docking System (NDS ) and International Low Impact Docking System ( iLIDS ) was provided for the coupling of the originally planned and now-defunct X-38 Crew Return Vehicle. It represents the next generation of the APAS - coupling adapter represents a future Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, based on the Orion spacecraft is also equipped with this adapter can dock with the ISS. Incompatibility between APAS and LIDS coupling adapter PMA -2 and PMA -3 of the ISS will be equipped with adapters for this purpose.

PMA -2 and PMA -3 with adapter rings

SSAS

The segment to segment Attachment System (SSAS ) connects parts of the Integrated Truss Structure: S0 with S1, S1 to S3, and S0 with P1 and P1 to P3.

RTAS

The Rocketdyne Truss Attachment System ( RTAS ) combined with Z1 P6 during the construction of the station. Upon completion, connect the RTAS P6 with P5 and S6 with S5.

MRTAS

The Modified Rocketdyne Truss Attachment System ( MRTAS ) is depending from a passive and active part and connects with P4 P5 and S5 with S4.