Hybride Docking System

The main idea of our project is combination of NASA Docking System (NASA DS) and Magnet-Based System for Docking of Miniature Spacecraft (MBSD) (on the picture). Soft capture system (SCS) of NASA DS consists of six electromechanical linear actuators , which are moving soft capture ring and connecting active and passive sides of NASA DS.

Despite ,NASA Docking System has some problems such as long time of alignment & reliability issues (linear actuators can break).

We are offering to replace SCS of NASA DS by MBSD. Previously this technology was described for Miniature Spacecrafts (like small satellites), but we can apply it to bigger sizes. Our Docking System, instead of electromechanical actuators uses electromagnets on both sides of this system to attract (and/or repel) them. Alignment Guides and Rotational Alignment Guides provide accurate connection (rotational one also able to rotate connected “active side” around its axis). Ball-Lock Detents/Mechanism are not needed because we still use Hard capture system from NASA DS. Also Axial Access Port in our case must be wide enough for astronauts to pass.