Guideline requirements for serviceable spacecraft grasping/berthing/docking interfaces based on simulations and flight experience

Abstract

The described efforts support a NASA Space Assembly and Servicing Working Group activity to draft guideline interface standards. The general requirements are to provide a simple, reliable, and durable system. Interface requirements developed include lateral position offset, axial and lateral velocities, and angular misalignment. A survey of concepts and simulation studies of spacecraft docking, existing docking/end effector performance criteria, and space proven, qualified docking data was conducted and evaluated, in order to provide recommended mechanical interface guidelines and interface tolerances for manual and autonomous capture operations. The criterion for the selection of the guidelines was maximum capability to handle malfunctions. Originally the guidelines for a zero velocity docking were considered to be covered within the grasping/berthing definition. It is acknowledged that perhaps a separate category needs to be established for this operation. The draft standard was delivered to the AIAA for review, revision, and issuance as the first U.S. national standard guideline on interfaces. The intent is to develop the guidelines into an International Standards Organization standard.