METHODOLOGY FOR EVALUATING AND VALIDATING MECHANICAL RENDEZVOUS SUBSYSTEMS.

Abstract

A methodology for evaluating and validating orbital attachment, docking and latching mechanisms was determined. Primary emphasis was placed on validation facilities for systems capable of handling uncooperative, spinning, and nutating targets. Present state-of-the-art has been investigated and additional docking concepts, providing specifically for the above type of target, were developed. Analytical and physical validation methods are developed and proposed. These include ground tests in which g forces are balanced or canceled by various computer and load sensing devices with controlling sevo systems, and by flight tests under zero-g conditions. Various physical test methods for evaluating, progressively, components, mechanisms, and finally the complete docking system (including the operator) were established. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1964
Accession Number
AD0601322

Entities

People

  • Jack W. Lebold
  • R. N. Lahde

Organizations

  • Lockheed Martin

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Attachment
  • Computers
  • Docking
  • Rendezvous
  • Test Methods
  • Validation

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Software Engineering
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers