Rendezvous and docking and space robotics proximity operations: part I: test requirements

Abstract

In the framework of ESA's Columbus programme, Europe has to master new space operations such as remotely and/or automatically controlled rendezvous and docking (RVD) and manipulation. The need for a testbed for development and verification of the critical proximity operations involved was identified. This report presents the results of a study on the realisation of such a testbed. In Part I the test requirements were derived for: - Full scale testing of final translation (last 10 meters) including docking (RVD). - Full scale testing of any manipulator operations both for free space and during mechanical contact. - Scaled testing of fly-around and translation along the docking axis (RVD). Automatic as well as human operator controlled operations need to be tested. The test bed realisation study describes in detail the test bed requirements (Part II), the conceptual design (Part III) and the development plan (Part IV). Part V is the executive summary.