Common Docking Interface

While working on the Connestoga, I revisited an old item of my 'to-do' list, which was to create a Common Docking Interface for spacecraft. Previous versions were unsatisfying, but remained as placeholders until I got around to it.

The Interface itself is in two parts. The entire piece is for a solid structurally sound docking interface that allows for umbilical service connections for air, water, power, data, and propellant transfer between the two linked spacecraft, and requires a footprint of available hull surface of at least 3.5 meters by 3.5 meters. The hexagonal inner section is itself a docking interface and may be encountered separately from the rest of the unit shown. It allows for a docking link between smaller craft, with no umbilical support, and has a footprint of about 2 meters. The airlock doors are sized so that a six foot tall man might have to stoop a little to enter, but as these types of locks are encountered in free-fall portions of spacecraft, the doors are actually quite spacious for accommodating entry and egress. Provisions for automatic cycling and for manually operating the airlock door are available on the right hand door half.

Modeled with SketchUp. Rendered with Kerkythea.