Capture/berthing system for spacecraft
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United States of America Patent
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Mar 10, 1992
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Oct 31, 1989
filing date -
Oct 31, 1989
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for joining vehicles such as spacecraft is disclosed that utilizes a capture and berthing technique. The coupling apparatus comprises a first coupling unit having a generally rigid extensible structure that is mountable to a first spacecraft and a second coupling unit having a probe-like structure mountable to a second spacecraft which is cooperable with the extensible structure to effect vehicle coupling. The first and second spacecraft are maneuvered so as to generally align the coupling apparatus thereon, after which the extensible structure is extended to engage and capture the probe-like structure. Following capture of the second coupling unit by the extensible structure, the extensible structure is subsequently retracted to effect berthing of the first and second spacecraft. Once the spacecraft coupling units have been captured and berthed in the foregoing manner, they can be structurally joined by appropriate coupling apparatus.
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