marked with paint, and in subsequent stages of preparation for flight the marking is carefully monitored. The length of Earth-based preparation, possible storage for several years, and increasing flight lengths require stability of the materials and the absence of corrosion. In the manufacturing of docking devices, metals are used (high- durability, frequently corrosion-resistant steels, and titanium, aluminum, and in some cases, magnesium alloys) as well as nonmetallic materials (electrical and thermal insulators) which meet these requirements. The need to use mastered technology frequently has a great effect on the construction of docking device elements. Tn the creation of new structures it is expedient to use tested or even standardized elements which have been verified in earlier docking devices or other space mechanisms; this makes it possible to simplify and reduce the cost of testing, and to reach high reliability more quickly. The division of the docking device into individual structurally and technologically complete units makes it possible to: increase quality and reliability due to the protection of individual units (up to hermetization) from external effects and contamination during storage, testing, and use; specialize planning; manufacture the parts in specialized production lines or shops; organize autonomous testing prior to installation in the docking device; and use units which have been tested earlier. Shielding from foreign particles and contaminants is one of the most important conditions of insuring the reliable operation of mechanisms. Tf some mechanism cannot be made closed then it is necessary to provide other means of protection, a means of monitoring purity and working capacity up to the final operations before launch. Thus, before assembly of the Soyuz and Progress craft with the rocket booster not only were the final operations on the docking assembly done, including the removal of protective covers, cleaning, and lubrication, but also inspection of the cowl of the rocket. The following units and mechanisms are typical for a docking device and are made as structurally and technologically complete units: 1) hulls; 2) electrical drives; 3) blocks of electrical terminal and signal contacts; 4) electrical sensors;
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