International Passive-Active Docking Mechanism (International Berthing and Docking Mechanism, abbreviated IBDM) - European androgynous docking system of low collision, which allows large and small spacecraft to dock in active and passive modes. Development is under an ESA contract with QinetiQ Space , which acts as a general contractor. [1] [2]
| Technical details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Description | ||
| Appointment: | Part of the docking mechanism of the ship Dream Chaser | |
| Developer: | QinetiQ Space under ESA contract | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Outside Width: | 1.42 m | 4.66 m |
| Pass: | 0.8 m | 2.62 ft |
| Weight: | <325 kg | <716.5 LB |
| Guarantees | ||
| Endurance: | At least 210 days | |
| Capture Success: | > 98% when meeting IDSS requirements | |
| Technical specifications | ||
| Redundancy: | Switching to reserve faster than 150 ms) + passive safe mode | |
| Interfaces: | 28V or 120V and 28V DC | |
| UART or MIL1553 | ||
Content
History
The development of IBDM began in accordance with the development program of the Lyndon Johnson Space Center . The first option was intended for . It was decided to develop an experimental prototype to demonstrate the capabilities of the system and related technologies. The Lyndon Johnson Space Center was responsible for the development of the system and on-board equipment, and ESA created the mechanical part of the project. However, after the cancellation of the American program to create the ISS Rescue Ship, these two institutions independently developed, each - its own version of the docking system.
The international passive-active docking mechanism complies with the requirements of the International Docking System Standard [3] (MCCS) and, therefore, is compatible with the International Docking Adapters (IDA) on the ISS US segment.
The European Space Agency has now begun with develop a system for docking a new spacecraft with the ISS in the future [4] . And NASA was going to identify commercial contractors (and assistants in developing the docking mechanism) to supply the International Space Station in September 2015. [five]
Description
The international active-passive docking mechanism allows the docking of spacecraft in both active and passive modes, acting as a berth. The docking mechanism consists of a soft grip system as well as a clamping and locking system called a hard grip system . Avionics systems have hot standby.
Soft Grip System
The soft grip system can control the start of docking using 6 servo brackets from the developer RUAG Space (Switzerland). Through the brackets, the position of the docking ring in 6 degrees of freedom is controlled. This makes it easier to level the platform during grabbing. [6] In this case, the entire system can ensure the docking of devices with a very large weight. Mechanical latches while holding a soft grip.
Rigid Grip System
The rigid grip system uses special mechanical hooks to create a tight joint. QinetiQ Space developed several versions of locks and hooks before reaching the final design. [7] The Spanish company Sener Aeronáutica will be responsible for the further development and quality of the other subsystems of this rigid grip.
Application
The American company Sierra Nevada Corporation is developing the Dream Chaser spacecraft. It is a small reusable spaceship that is selected to transport cargo and / or crew to the ISS . The European Space Agency transmitted to Sierra Nevada Corporation the necessary data to create a docking node for the new spacecraft [4] . This unit will be installed on an unpressurized cargo module, which will be disconnected before the ship itself returns to Earth.
Status
The international passive-active docking mechanism successfully passed a preliminary analysis in December 2015. The prototype of the mechanism and its control on-board equipment was created in March 2016. The system was tested in a test facility at the Lyndon Johnson Space Center [8] . The module manufacturing agreement was signed with ESA in April 2016.
Notes
- ↑ Caporicci, Marco. IBDM: THE INTERNATIONAL BERTHING DOCKING MECHANISM FOR HUMAN MISSIONS TO LOW EARTH ORBIT AND EXPLORATION (Eng.) // IAC: journal. - 2010.
- ↑ QinetiQ Space wins contract with European Space Agency to develop International Berthing Docking Mechanism . QinetiQ (June 3, 2014). Date of treatment January 4, 2016.
- ↑ International Docking System Standard . - Rev. C. - November 20, 2013.
- ↑ 1 2 QinetiQ Space Wins ESA Contract for International Berthing Docking Mechanism .
- ↑ Decision on new space station cargo contracts deferred . Spaceflight Now . Date of treatment April 22, 2015.
- ↑ Claessens, Dirk. DEVELOPMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL BERTHING AND DOCKING MECHANISM COMPATIBLE WITH THE INTERNATIONAL DOCKING SYSTEM STANDARD (English) // IAC: journal. - 2012.
- ↑ K. De Vriendt; H. Dittmer; D. Vrancken; P. Urmston; O. Gracia; M. Caporicci. Evolution of the IBDM Structural Latch Development into a Generic Simplified Design ( journal ) : journal.
- ↑ Dittmer, Helder; Paijmans, Bart. The International Berthing Docking Mechanism (IBDM): Demonstrating full compliance to the International Docking System Standard (IDSS ) // 66th International Astronautical Congress: journal. - 2016 .-- 16 October. Archived March 18, 2015. Archived March 18, 2015 on Wayback Machine