METHOD FOR DOCKING SPACECRAFTS

摘要

FIELD: transport.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to active spacecraft (ASC) automatic docking to uncooperative passive spacecrafts (PSC). ASC includes self-homing space microtug (SMT) for delivery of towrope released from ASC and is equipped docking pin. PSC and ASC are pulled together using rope. On PSC cruising engine nozzle is used as docking device. Docking pin is inserted into and fixed to this nozzle. During docking, angle position of ASC and SMT and PSC bundle stabilisation is performed in inertial coordinate system with the centre located in ASC centre of mass. Synchronisation of SMT and PSC with ASC bundle angular velocity, as well as alignment of longitudinal axes of ASC and the mentioned bundle with direction of line connecting their centres of mass is performed using ASC and SMT engines. After SMT and PSC bundle has touched docking place on ASC the bundle is fixed using docking system installed on ASC.EFFECT: wider range of possible docking to PSC conditions and simplification of docking process.7 dwg