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Does anyone know if this will be an arm capture again or if it will it get to dock directly this time?
by eco 14y ago
Does anyone know if this will be an arm capture again or if it will it get to dock directly this time?
- neurotech1 14y agoArm capture for this round. A direct docking may be an option for later flights, and is planned for manned flights.
- tocomment 14y agoWhat are the advantages/disadvantages of each method?
- alexhawdon 14y agoLess risk with an arm capture. With an arm capture they manoeuvre the craft a safe distance from the ISS then check it can hold position and move slowly toward/away. When they're satisfied then they edge it close enough to capture with the arm. If it docks itself then you have to trust there won't be some weird last-minute f*ckup causing it to crash into the station.
- tocomment 14y agoSo why not always do an arm capture?
- sounds 14y agoOne way of answering your question is that the ISS already has automated resupply missions: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automated_Transfer_Vehicle http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automated_Transfer_Vehicle Secondarily, the limited time & manpower on the station makes streamlining a resupply mission good sense - as long as there aren't huge risks.