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Arm capture for this round. A direct docking may be an option for later flights, and is planned for manned flights.
by neurotech1 14y ago
Arm 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.