Image: Soft Capture Mechanism installed on Hubble (illustration)
Description: When the Hubble Space Telescope reaches the end of its life, NASA will need to de-orbit it safely using a next-generation space transportation vehicle. The Soft Capture Mechanism (SCM) uses a Low Impact Docking System (LIDS) interface and associated relative navigation targets for future rendezvous, capture, and docking operations. The system's LIDS interface is designed to be compatible with the rendezvous and docking systems to be used on the next-generation space transportation vehicle. During the mission, astronauts will attach the SCM to Hubble. About 72 inches in diameter and 2 feet high, the SCM will sit on the bottom of Hubble, inside the FSS berthing and positioning ring, without affecting the normal FSS-to-Hubble interfaces. It will be attached onto the telescope by three sets of jaws that clamp onto the existing berthing pins on Hubble’s aft bulkhead.
Title: Soft Capture Mechanism installed on Hubble (illustration)
Credit: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/servicing/SM4/main/SCRS_FS_HTML.html (image link)
Author: NASA
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No
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