SSVP docking system
Sistema Stykovki i Vnutrennego Perekhoda, SSVP (
History
SSVP was initially conceived in 1967 by the TsKBEM design bureau for use on the then-planned OIS military space station. Though OIS never flew, in 1970 the design was selected for use on the Salyut and Almaz space stations.[1] During its first attempted use on the Soyuz 10 mission, docking was unsuccessful due to a faulty hatch, and a failure in the automatic docking system.[2] This led to a number of redesigns to reduce damage from accidental loads.[1]
In the 1980s, SSVP was further upgraded to support docking of large modules, such as the ones that would be used to construct Mir.[1] They were used to attach all pressurized modules of the Mir, and for most spacecraft dockings (with the exception of the Space Shuttle flights, and Soyuz TM-16, which used the APAS-89 docking mechanisms located on Kristall and the Mir Docking Module.[3])
The modern version of SSVP is SSVP-G4000.
An upgraded version, designed for reusability and to provide a wider tunnel, is planned for use on the next-generation
Design
SSVP consists of two components; an active probe, and a passive drogue. The probe enters the drogue, and its tip is grasped by soft-capture latches which are then retracted using electrically driven motors to provide close alignment. Eight hard-capture locks then firmly attach the two spacecraft. After hard docking, the pressure between spacecraft is equalized using the Interface Leak Check System.[1][7]
The port contains a transfer tunnel, with an internal diameter of 800 mm. The ring surrounding this tunnel also includes a number of connectors, providing for transfer of power, data, and fuel between two docked vehicles.[1]
Hybrids
A "hybrid" version, combining the design of SSVP and
These hybrid SSVP ports are used to permanently connect Pirs, Nauka, Poisk and Zarya to Zvezda and Prichal to Nauka.[7]
Modified Passive hybrids of SSVP-M8000 are used on lateral ports of Prichal and are known as SSPA-GB 1/2.[8]
Adapter Ring
It converts passive Hybrid SSVP-M8000 Docking System to passive SSVP-G4000.[9] The docking ring initially used for Soyuz MS-18 and Progress MS-17 docking on Nauka until detached by Progress MS-17 inflight for Prichal module arrived on ISS.[10] This adapter is termed as SSPA-GM. It was made for the Nauka nadir and Prichal nadir ports of the International Space Station, where Soyuz and Progress spacecraft had to dock to a port designated for modules. Before removal of SSPA-GM, the docking ring is 80 cm (31 in) in diameter; that becomes 120 cm (47 in) after removal.
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g "Docking systems". Russian Space Web. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
- ^ "Soyuz 10". Retrieved 8 February 2016.
- ^ "Soyuz TM-16". Retrieved 8 February 2016.
- ^ "N° 50–2000: International Space Station docks successfully with Zvezda module". European Space Agency. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
- ^ "Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) Structural and Thermal Model Testing at ESTEC" (PDF). European Space Agency. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
- ^ "PTK spacecraft to feature improved docking port". Russian Space Web. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
- ^ a b c John Cook; Valery Aksamentov; Thomas Hoffman; Wes Bruner (January 2011). "ISS Interface Mechanisms and their Heritage" (PDF). Boeing. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
- ^ "Docking systems".
- ^ "Новости. «Прогресс МС-17» освободил место для нового модуля". www.roscosmos.ru. Retrieved 2021-11-27.
- ^ "Новости. Новый модуль вошел в состав российского сегмента МКС". www.roscosmos.ru. Retrieved 2021-11-27.