Rendezvous and docking possibilities in future European outer space projects
Abstract
Rendezvous and docking in geostationary orbit, intermediate orbit, and low circular orbit are discussed. The operative phases of rendezvous and docking are surveyed, including the guided phase, the homing phase, and the final approach. The applicable strategies and systems are examined. Examples are discussed, including the Space Shuttle retrieving a microgravity platform in the EURECA project, and the Ariane placing a communication satellite into geostationary transfer orbit and a communications platform into geostationary orbit.
- Publication:
-
Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt
- Pub Date:
- October 1982
- Bibcode:
- 1982dglr.meetR....N
- Keywords:
-
- European Space Programs;
- Mission Planning;
- Orbital Rendezvous;
- Rendezvous Trajectories;
- Spacecraft Docking;
- Communication Satellites;
- Geosynchronous Orbits;
- Homing;
- Space Commercialization;
- Space Platforms;
- Space Shuttle Orbiters;
- West Germany;
- Astrodynamics