Docking represents one of the most hazardous activities that a spacecraft can encounter following launch. The risk of collision between the target and chaser vehicles is of primary concern. In order to dock, the docking sensor must provide full six-degree-of-freedom (6DoF) relative position and relative attitude information at a rate sufficient for the rendezvous spacecraft guidance system to robustly control the docking maneuver.

AOS provides several different technology solutions to your docking sensor and avionics system requirements. We have expertise in both active and passive sensor systems and also provide application specific software and firmware that may be implemented within your current avionics architecture.

Automated Rendezvous and Docking (AR&D) Sensors

Prototype and flight sensor systems for NASA and prime contractors

• Active ULTOR® Sensor
• ULTOR Passive Pose & Position Engine
  (ULTOR® P3E)
• Long Range & Bearing Finder (LRBF)

For more information contact:

Joel Hannah
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Hybrid Guidance System (HGS) hardware

Video of integration of ULTOR® P3E on the MDA robotic arm