Leak-detector and its calibration technology for docking system

The docking system seal designed for astronauts activity is widely used in manned space systems such as habitable vehicles and Tiangong for mission to in-space mating and docking or deep space. The docking system seal adopts the seal-on-flange configuration, which is expected to has low leak rates to ensure the safety of both astronauts and spacecraft equipment during extended-duration missions. During the docking process, the leak rate of seals is necessary to detect in order to identify the condition of seals. This paper presents the leak-detector for docking system seals based on the pressure leak detection methods. The leak-detector can be used to provide real-time information about the leak rate of the interface seal during passing in and out of astronauts as well as mating and docking of the manned vehicles. The device is calibrated on the ground in order to ensure the accuracy of test result in space. Accordingly, the calibrating apparatus is developed to calibrate the device.