ISS Docking

[David]

Hello,
Has anyone done a video or an explanation as to how to dock the Space Shuttle to the ISS. I can get close using the Docking MFD but the last bit eludes me.
Many thanks,
David

[ApolloGirl]

Hi David, thanks for your comment. We will look into this.

[ApolloGirl]

Hi David,

How close are you getting?
If you're the playing the ISS rendezvous mission, one way to approach the ISS is to:
1) RETRO relative to the ISS until relative velocity is about 0m/s
2) DIRCT fly towards the ISS as close as possible, to within 1km distance
3) RETRO to bring down relative velocity to 0m/s again
4) and then use MANUAL control to dock.
5) when you get really close, switch to RCSTRANS go move into place for that final bit

If you don't see the docking port which has a red light, CPLAN (coplanar) will point the Shuttle in that direction so you can maneuver your way there.

We will try to do a video to demonstrate this.

[masaki]

i press the retro but it does nothing.

[ApolloGirl]

Hi masaki,

Are you selecting the RETRO in the DOCK mfd? This function retrogrades the spacecraft -relative- to the docking target. This is a different procedure to retrograding normally against its orbital direction. I will post a video on this soon.

[David]

Apollogirl,
Many thanks for the instructions and videos. I was using the Shuttle mission to get near to the ISS and the Docking MDF and Retrograde to get up close but I wasn’t able to locate the Docking port. Your help is fantastic!
Where is the ISS? It doesn’t seem possible to set it as a target in the iPad app.
David.

[David]

Hello,
I’ve used the built in Real scenario of thee Space Shuttle docked to the ISS to practice. I undocked and then redocked.
I noticed that the Docking ports on the ISS and Shuttle are not correctly aligned.
When aligned correctly, however the rudder of the Shuttle cuts into the ISS. See Photo. The other benefits are the scenario can be saved and you are able to Transfer without crashing.
The Shuttle can be docked at 180° without cutting into the ISS, I think.
A great App, full of interest and challenges.
David.
PS I couldn’t see how to attach a photo, sorry.