What is a spacecraft rendezvous?

A space rendezvous (/ˈrɒndeɪvuː/) is a set of orbital maneuvers during which two spacecraft, one of which is often a space station, arrive at the same orbit and approach to a very close distance (e.g. within visual contact).

What does it mean to dock a spaceship?

Docking and berthing of spacecraft is the joining of two space vehicles. This connection can be temporary, or partially permanent such as for space station modules. Docking specifically refers to joining of two separate free-flying space vehicles.

How do you rendezvous on the ISS?

For orbital rendezvous to occur, both spacecraft must be in the same orbital plane, and the phase of the orbit (the position of the spacecraft in the orbit) must be matched. The “chaser” is placed in a slightly lower orbit than the target. The lower the orbit, the higher the orbital velocity.

Which mission was the first to accomplish a rendezvous and docking?

Following that first space rendezvous in 1965, NASA refined its capabilities in later Gemini missions, achieving the first docking of two spacecraft.

What were the first American missions to rendezvous?

“Deke” Slayton. Celebrating its 45th anniversary this month, NASA’s Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) was the first time that spacecraft from two different countries, the U.S. and the Soviet Union (Russia today), achieved rendezvous, docking and undocking in space.

How do spacecraft dock with ISS?

This occurs through the use of a docking mechanism between the space shuttle and ISS. This mechanism consists of two pieces: the Orbital Docking System (ODS), which is connected to the space shuttle (see Figure 1), and the Pressurized Mating Adaptor (PMA), which is permanently mounted on the ISS (see Figure 2).

How does docking the ISS work?

As the docking process begins, the space shuttle uses its thrusters to approach the ISS at a relative speed of 0.0325 m/s (0.1 ft/s). MMACS flight controllers monitor the docking process and follow procedures to reduce the impact between the two massive vehicles. Where there is a collision, there is an energy transfer.

What is the first international space rendezvous?

Fifty years ago, the two-tiered NASA mission Gemini 7/6A made history by proving that two independently launched spacecraft piloted by astronauts could meet up while orbiting Earth. Humankind’s first rendezvous in space happened Dec. 15, 1965.