Docking Mechanism for In-Orbit Assembly and Spacecraft Servicing,

Abstract

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)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1984
Accession Number
ADP003390

Entities

People

  • F. Gampe

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Assembly
  • Communication Satellites
  • Earth Orbits
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Geosynchronous Satellites
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Orbits
  • Satellite Buses
  • Space Objects
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Components
  • Spacecraft Orbits
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Database Systems and Applications
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - Autonomous System Control
  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Satellites
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers