lunar module. The configuration characteristics and requirements for a compact design required a great deal of creativity and improvement of the design of basic elements of the active assembly. This required the use of a number of mechanisms which were controlled manually. Overall, the docking device of the Apollo spacecraft required large expenditures of time by the astronauts, intense training, and greate physical efforts in flight during docking, undocking, and transition. The docking device of the Apollo was intended to dock with the formation of an accurate (with the exception of equalization of roll) and rigid joint with subsequent undocking with complete separation of the active docking assembly during the final separation of the lunar module. The active assembly (see Figure 1.19) consisted of a docking frame attached to the forward flange of the hull of the transition tunnel of the command module, and the docking mechanism installed inside the frame. Twelve locks for rigid connection were attached to the frame, and a joint seal was located at the end. The docking mechanism (Figure 1.20) contained a central rod with a head. Attached to the head was a rod joining the docking mechanism with the frame of the system of emergency rescue, and this rod was used to activate this system at low altitudes (Figure 1.21). The connection is broken when necessary by jettisoning the frame. Figure 1.20. Basic operations executed by the Apollo docking mechanism. a. linkage; b. coupling; c. disassembly; d. secondary set-up; I. head; 2. rod; 3. limiting levers; 4. shock absorber; 5. spring rod; 6. support rod; 7. cylinder; 8. bushing; 9. winch.
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