The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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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.