Abstract This book examines the theory and technique of docking spacecraft. Information is presented on structures created in the USSR and USA. Various designs of docking devices are analyzed, as well as their basic mechanisms. For engineering and technical personnel specializing in the docking of spacecraft. Foreword The mastery of space has led to the origin and development of new areas of science and technology. The creation of unique spacecraft systems required the development of methods of construction and the solution of a number of scientific and technical problems associated with design, calculations, and the simulation of the working conditions of these systems in Earth conditions. One of these systems is the docking device, which is intended to directly link spacecraft in orbit. The docking device is one of the most complex and labor intensive devices to manufacture among spacecraft systems, due to the variety of functions it fulfills, difficulties in planning, and the reproduction of working conditions on Earth. At present the USSR and USA have accumulated a significant amount of experience in the design and use of docking devices. Comprehensive material was obtained in the Apollo-Soyuz program. However, publications in periodicals and papers from scientific and technical conferences have been mainly dedicated to a brief description of the devices which have been developed and individual issues in the dynamics of docking. At the same time, it is critical that this gap be filled for the further improvement of space technology, generalization and use of the accumulated experience, and training of highly-skilled specialists in institutions of higher learning. This book systematically presents scientific and technical aspects of space docking. It also examines issues of design, testing, and the use of docking devices. *numbers in margin indicate foreign pagination.
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