ESA’s International Berthing and Docking Mechanism embodies the international standard that will work with a lighter generation of space vehicles. It is identical for both craft – any two vehicles can dock or be berthed.
Although the connection is defined by the international standard, the mechanism behind the docking ring can be designed in any way, making further cooperation in space easier.
The International Berthing Docking Mechanism is the only design that senses the forces at play between two spacecraft and adapts accordingly, ‘grabbing’ a lighter vessel or absorbing the loads of a heavier vehicle.