Comparative Analysis of Connection Interfaces for Space Applications

Orbital services are becoming increasingly important. One of the fundamental engineering challenges to enable such services is to provide mechanical, data, power, thermal, and fluid connectivity for activities such as capture, repairing, upgrading, refueling, life extension, or deorbiting of space assets. This paper provides an overview of the elements used for connectivity, generically referred to as a "standard interface". An overview of interfaces defined for applications in grabbing, mechanical docking, fluid transfer for refueling, and multi-purpose interfaces is provided. A comparative analysis of the interfaces using mechanical criteria and performance characteristics helps to identify the current status and future challenges in this domain.