Spacecraft to shuttle docking method and apparatus

摘要

A method is disclosed for docking a satellite to the STS or space shuttle orbiter with one Remote Manipulator System (RMS). The RMS is deployed and captures a fixture on the satellite. The satellite extends its mooring boom. The RMS manuevers the satellite to engage the free end of the boom onto a fixture on the orbiter. This method of docking is used in conjunction with exchanging a new payload module on the orbiter with a spent payload module on the satellite.