Common Berthing Mechanism
The Common Berthing Mechanism ( CBM , in German about "general application mechanism") is a coupling mechanism for space station modules and other space vehicles . The mechanism is used as a connection in all non-Russian modules of the International Space Station .
description
A Common Berthing Mechanism connects one pressurized module to another. It consists of two components: an Active Common Berthing Mechanism (ACBM) and a Passive Common Berthing Mechanism (PCBM). The ACBM is the active part of the mechanism; in addition to the actual coupling ring, it has the necessary tabs, guide devices, movable bolts and control panels. Only this part of the CBM has a power and data connection. The PCBM is the passive counterpart. For coupling, one module must be equipped with an ACBM, the other with a PCBM. During installation, the module with the passive part is guided to the holding device of the ACBM by a robot arm. If the module is in the right position, the next step is to create a firm, pressure-tight connection with 16 bolts. Both parts of the mechanism create a pressure-tight connection, hatches on both sides open a passage for the transfer of crew and cargo with a diameter of 50 inches (127 cm). This means that the International Standard Payload Racks used as standard installations in the American station section can also be moved through. Power, data and other connections between the modules must be laid manually after the docking process.
Every module with a CBM that is to be coupled to a station part that is already in space must have a PCBM itself and dock to an ACBM.
commitment
The first coupling of a CBM in space was the connection of the Unity station module with the Z1 truss element . Since then, all non-Russian pressurized station modules have been docked to the ISS using CBM. CBM also used the MPLMs used for the transport of large supplies .
The three connection modules Node 1–3 each have four radial ACBM docking ports. With regard to the axial ports, Unity (Node 1) differs from the other two modules. Both ACBMs are active here, one ACBM and one PCBM each for Node 2 and Node 3 . The Destiny and Kibō modules each have a PCBM and ACBM.
In addition to the actual station modules , the mechanism is also used for coupling various unmanned transport spaceships: The American space transporters SpaceX Dragon and Cygnus are each equipped with a PCBM and are docked with the Canadarm2 on one of the free ACBMs of the ISS modules. The same procedure was used with the Japanese H-2 Transfer Vehicle (HTV).
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b c d The Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) for International Space Station (PDF; 946 kB)
- ↑ N. Gualtieri, S. Rubino, A. Itta: SM98-110 / 254 International Space Station Node 2 - Structure Design Analysis and Static Test Definition . Ed .: European Space Agency. ISBN 92-9092-712-7 , pp. 174 , bibcode : 1999ESASP.428..173G .
- ↑ Node 3 Description ( Memento from July 21, 2011 in the Internet Archive )
- ↑ STS-98 press kit. (No longer available online.) NASA February 7, 2001, archived from the original on January 23, 2001 ; Retrieved February 8, 2010 . Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ Pressurized Module: About Kibo - Kibo Japanese Experimental Module ( Memento from October 1, 2011 in the Internet Archive )
- ^ Commercial Crew and Cargo Program
Web links
- The Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) for International Space Station (PDF; 946 kB), English