Future in-orbit infrastructure requires the usage of a Docking Mechanism Subsystem (DMS) for in-orbit assembly and spacecraft servicing. As a first entry for european applications unmanned, autonomous docking missions are foreseen as well in low earth orbit (processing platforms) as in geostationary orbit (communication satellite clustering). The Rendezvous and Docking (RVD) operation is a key technology to realize such type of mission. The DMS is imbedded in a system performing the last meters problem where specially the Attitude and Orbit Control Subsystem (AOCS) closely cooperates with the DMS. The DMS itself is composed of the Docking Mechanism itself and the Docking Mechanism Electronics. Dependent on the initial separation conditions two docking concepts are considered: the DMS- and the AOCS - controlled closure. A first docking demonstration is envisaged during the EURECA-2 mission in 1989/90. (Author)
Docking Mechanism for In-Orbit Assembly and Spacecraft Servicing
1984
10 pages
Report
No indication
English
Spacecraft Trajectories & Flight Mechanics , Navigation & Guidance System Components , Unmanned Spacecraft , Attitude control systems , Satellite attitude , Spacecraft docking , Space navigation , Space systems , Autonomous navigation , Earth orbits , Space missions , Spacecraft components , Booms(Equipment) , Telescoping structures , Component Reports , NATO furnished
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