October 29, 2010 Vol. 3, Issue 10
The International Space Station (ISS) partners approved a new international docking standard.
The International Space Station Multilateral Coordination Board (MCB) released a new international docking system standard for the International Space Station. The new standard allows spacecraft ranging from crewed to autonomous vehicles to dock with the ISS through a common interface.
Standardization of the docking system eliminates specific designs for the interface, eases the development process of future collaborative space missions, and allows for the possibility of international crew rescue missions.
The MCB coordinates the space station’s operations and activities among the partners. It consists of representatives from NASA; the Russian Federal Space Agency; the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture Sports, Science and Technology assisted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA); the European Space Agency; and the Canadian Space Agency.
The five partners will continue to refine and revise the standard, which contains information regarding the physical features and design loads of the common docking interface.
