Computers in engineering

---

November 2003

Dynamic simulation makes a connection

One of the most significant challenges facing an engineer during the development of any mechanism destined for space is the difficulty in testing prototypes under micro-gravity conditions. Michigan Aerospace Corp. developed the Autonomous Satellite Docking System (ASDS) to allow a servicing vehicle to perform a "soft" capture operation on a satellite, imparting a minimum of force during the capture cycle with a maximum of misalignment tolerance between the spacecraft. Capture is made using a flexible soft-dock cable that is extended from the docking spacecraft into a conical receptacle located on the target spacecraft.
read full story*

* This is a .pdf file. You’ll need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it.