What are the best practices and tools for performing orbital rendezvous and docking between spacecraft?

3 RVD simulation and training

RVD is a high-risk and high-reward operation that requires extensive simulation and training to prepare for the real event. RVD simulation and training can use various tools and methods, such as computer models, virtual reality, hardware-in-the-loop, or full-scale mock-ups. RVD simulation and training can help to validate the RVD system, verify the RVD procedures, identify and resolve potential issues, and enhance the skills and confidence of the crew and ground controllers.

4 RVD monitoring and control

RVD is a dynamic and interactive process that requires constant monitoring and control to ensure its success and safety. RVD monitoring and control can use various sources of information, such as telemetry, radar, optical, or laser sensors, to track the position, velocity, attitude, and status of the space vehicles. RVD monitoring and control can also use various modes of communication, such as voice, data, or video, to exchange commands, feedback, or alerts between the crew and ground controllers. RVD monitoring and control can enable timely and accurate decision making and action taking in case of normal or abnormal situations.

5 RVD safety and reliability

RVD is a mission-critical and safety-critical operation that requires high standards of safety and reliability to prevent or mitigate failures, errors, or collisions. RVD safety and reliability can be achieved by applying various principles and practices, such as redundancy, fault tolerance, fault detection, isolation, and recovery, risk assessment and management, quality assurance and testing, or human factors engineering. RVD safety and reliability can also be enhanced by following established guidelines, standards, and regulations for RVD.

6 RVD challenges and opportunities

RVD is a challenging and evolving skill that faces many technical, operational, and regulatory hurdles, but also offers many opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Some of the current and future challenges and opportunities for RVD include: increasing the complexity and diversity of RVD missions and scenarios, improving the performance and efficiency of RVD systems and methods, developing new technologies and capabilities for RVD, such as autonomous or cooperative RVD, or addressing the legal and ethical issues of RVD, such as liability or ownership.