Magnetic/Extendible Boom Mechanism for Docking of Spacecraft

The magnetic/extendible boom docking aid is an improved mechanism that enables two spacecraft to capture and structurally mate with each other without inducing the large (and frequently excessive) loads encountered in docking by use of prior docking mechanisms. The capability afforded by this mechanism should prove invaluable when applied to the International Space Station. This mechanism is relatively simple to construct, easily integrable into pre-existing docking hardware, and highly reliable.