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I have worked a bit on things related to the ISS. From what I learnt, it is basically two space stations stuck together with an adapter. The smaller Russian par

I have worked a bit on things related to the ISS. From what I learnt, it is basically two space stations stuck together with an adapter. The smaller Russian part was launched first and is self-contained, basically a MIR 2. The US/international part was then added piece by piece, with each part having a specialized function. Visiting Russian spacecraft can only dock on the Russian side and the Space Shuttle only on the US side, unless it brought an adapter. I'm sure there were still many compatibility issues. For example the European ATV docks on the Russian side.

barking 12y ago
The American dock is presumably now defunct with the Shuttles retirement
Patrick_Devine 12y ago
This made me curious and I found this page on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spacecraft_Docking_and_Berthing_Mechanisms#Adapters http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spacecraft_Docking_and_Berthing... Totally fascinating subject. It wasn't clear to me if Dragon 2 is going to use the APAS-95 connector (what the Shuttle used), or the newer NDS connector. It also made me think.. was there some kind of adapter used for Apollo missions after Apollo 13 for the CO2 scrubbers? Or was the hack the "official way" of getting around problem?
- thmorton 12y ago
  > Totally fascinating subject. It wasn't clear to me if Dragon 2 is going to use the APAS-95 connector (what the Shuttle used), or the newer NDS connector. Dragon 2 will use a newer connector, scheduled to go up on one of the future Dragon missions, replacing the current APAS-95 connector. A bit sad to see it go. :(