Non-Sealing Spacecraft Berthing Interface for Temporary Parking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacecraft docking systems require pressurized connections for crew and cargo transfer, which add complexity and weight, and are not suitable for temporary parking scenarios where a non-sealing connection is sufficient.
Innovation Solution
A non-sealing berthing system for visiting spacecraft that uses a tunnel with sliding hooks, guide petals, and preload members to mate with a target spacecraft's docking system without a pressurized seal, assisted by a manipulator for alignment and engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pressurized docking system is used for spacecraft mating, then crew and cargo transfer capability is improved, but system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The docking system is divided into separate functional components: a tunnel structure for structural connection, sliding hooks for mechanical latching, and optional seal elements. This segmentation allows the system to provide pressurized transfer capability only when needed, while simplifying the basic structure for non-pressurized applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can provide both pressurized and non-pressurized mating capabilities, support both docking and berthing operations, and accommodate different mission requirements (crew transfer, cargo transfer, or temporary parking) using the same fundamental interface structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pressurized docking system is used for spacecraft mating, then crew and cargo transfer capability is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressurization capability is provided locally only where and when needed through optional seal elements at the mating interface, rather than requiring the entire spacecraft structure to be designed for pressurization. This allows weight optimization for non-pressurized missions while maintaining capability when required.
3Device complexity
If a non-sealing berthing system is used, then weight and complexity are reduced, but pressurized connection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic configuration where seal elements can be added or removed based on mission requirements. The same fundamental docking interface can operate in both sealed and unsealed modes, providing adaptability without requiring completely different systems for different mission types.
Data Source
AI summary
Berthing systems for visiting spacecraft and associated methods. In one embodiment, a non-sealing berthing system includes a tunnel having an interface surface that mates with a docking system of a target spacecraft. The berthing system further includes sliding hooks disposed circumferentially on the interface surface of the tunnel, preload members disposed circumferentially at the interface surface of the tunnel and configured to extend and retract from the interface surface in an axial direction, guide petals spaced around an inner peripheral surface of the tunnel, and soft capture petals spaced around the inner peripheral surface of the tunnel. The soft capture petals include capture latches configured to engage mechanical latch strikers on the docking system of the target spacecraft.