Undocking

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

Undocking is the controlled separation maneuver of two previously docked spacecraft, such as a visiting vehicle departing a space station or a lander detaching from an orbiter, requiring precise alignment and thruster firings.

BACKGROUND

The International Space Station (ISS) is a space station in low Earth orbit (LEO). It is the product of the International Space Station program and is operated by five partner space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and CSA (Canada). It is the first space station built, maintained and crewed through international cooperation and the largest human spacecraft ever constructed. It is an orbital research station, where scientific experiments in microgravity are conducted and the space environment is studied. Since 2 November 2000, it has hosted the longest continuous presence of humans in space. Alongside Tiangong, it is one of the only two currently operational space stations.

SYNONYMS & ALIASES

• Separation
• Detachment
• Disconnect
• Release

USAGE NOTE

Undocking procedures are carefully choreographed to ensure safety and prevent collisions.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Undocking.

• SpaceX

  Develops and operates Dragon spacecraft, which regularly undocks from the International Space Station (ISS) for cargo and crew return, as well as starship separation technologies.

• Boeing

  Develops and operates the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft for crew transport to the ISS, which includes sophisticated undocking capabilities.

• Northrop Grumman

  Manufactures and operates the Cygnus cargo spacecraft, which routinely undocks from the ISS after delivering supplies.

• NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)

  Develops and oversees technologies for spacecraft separation, docking, and undocking, particularly for the International Space Station and future lunar missions (e.g., Orion spacecraft).

• European Space Agency (ESA)

  Participates in the International Space Station program and develops technologies for space rendezvous, docking, and undocking for various missions and future orbital infrastructure.

• Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

  Operates the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) 'Kounotori' cargo spacecraft, which undocks from the ISS after resupply missions.

• Sierra Space

  Developing the Dream Chaser spaceplane for cargo and future crew missions, which will utilize autonomous docking and undocking systems for orbital destinations like the ISS.

• Lockheed Martin

  A major aerospace manufacturer involved in numerous space programs, including the Orion spacecraft, which utilizes undocking and separation mechanisms during its missions.