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It has a docking clamp, though that's for future-proofing. Apparently the initial type of mission envisioned was a crewed Orion vehicle, though I'm sure a wide
by geenew 5y ago
It has a docking clamp, though that's for future-proofing. Apparently the initial type of mission envisioned was a crewed Orion vehicle, though I'm sure a wide variety of missions could attach.
My guess was that the clamp was mainly for possible future replenishment of consumables, though presumably some sort of robotic-arm-equipped repair mission could attach as well. A crewed mission seems possible, too, assuming one of the planned Lunar craft could be modified to go to the Lagrange point.
https://www.space.com/3833-nasa-adds-docking-capability-space-observatory.html https://www.space.com/3833-nasa-adds-docking-capability-spac...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spacecraft_Bus_(JWST)#Docking_ring https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spacecraft_Bus_(JWST)#Docking_...
- imglorp 5y agoNothing in the current fleet of new capsules have arms or airlocks. There is hope for the robotic refueling type mission though, or at least the kind where a new utility bot attaches to an old satellite and takes over propulsion to extend its life. https://nexis.gsfc.nasa.gov/rrm_refueling_task.html https://nexis.gsfc.nasa.gov/rrm_refueling_task.html
- messe 5y ago> Nothing in the current fleet of new capsules have arms or airlocks. True, but a docking adapter with an airlock that works with starliner and dragon is technically feasible. That said, it would still likely require recertification, as its inclusion would effect abort modes.