IBDM (International Berthing and Docking Mechanism) demonstration mission
SENER has been involved in developing a berthing mechanism for manned spacecraft since the end of the 1980s. This mechanism is currently proposed as a universal berthing and docking mechanism for future space exploration missions, which will undoubtedly take place in a context of cooperation among the world’s various space agencies.
Although a large number of the functions of this mechanism can be tested and validated by trials on Earth, several others need to be validated in orbit. For this reason, the European Space Agency (ESA) has decided to undertake a study to define a mission that would allow all the functions of the IBDM to be demonstrated in-flight as well as, at the same time, all the technology needed to carry out rendezvous and docking manoeuvres in orbit in non-terrestrial conditions, such as, for example, different types of sensors.
ESA has chosen SENER to lead this study, in which it will also assume responsibility for the Guidance, Navigation and Control system. The companies Verhaert (Belgium), Thales Alenia Space (Italy), Carlo Gavazzi (Italy) and GMV (Spain) are also taking part in this study as sub-contractors of SENER. The conclusion of this study was November 2007.
