CPC B64G 1/646 (2013.01) [F16B 7/042 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A non-sealing berthing system for a visiting spacecraft, the non-sealing berthing system comprising:
a tunnel having a first end configured to attach to the visiting spacecraft, and a second end that includes an interface surface that mates with a docking system of a target spacecraft;
sliding hooks disposed circumferentially on the interface surface of the tunnel;
preload members disposed circumferentially at the interface surface of the tunnel;
guide petals spaced around an inner peripheral surface of the tunnel, wherein the guide petals project in an axial direction beyond the interface surface and point radially inward; and
soft capture petals spaced around the inner peripheral surface of the tunnel;
wherein the soft capture petals project in the axial direction beyond the interface surface and point radially inward;
wherein the soft capture petals include capture latches configured to engage mechanical latch strikers on the docking system of the target spacecraft;
wherein the preload members are configured to extend from the interface surface in the axial direction to apply an axial force to separate the non-sealing berthing system from the docking system.
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