CPC B64G 1/641 (2013.01) [B64G 1/52 (2013.01); B64G 1/646 (2013.01); B64G 1/14 (2013.01); B64G 1/60 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A spacecraft airlock, comprising:
an end module including a passive common berthing mechanism positioned around an open end of the end module and configured to selectively engage and receive pressurized air from a space station or transportation vehicle;
a cylindrical sidewall adjoining the passive common berthing mechanism of the end module; and
an endwall adjoining the cylindrical sidewall, opposite the passive common berthing mechanism of the open end of the end module, wherein the cylindrical sidewall and the endwall together form an exterior surface of the spacecraft airlock, the exterior surface including:
at least one attachment mechanism configured to releasably attach one or more vacuum exposed payloads to the exterior surface;
at least one connection mechanism configured to releasably attach at least one heat sink to the exterior surface; and
at least one grappling fixture configured to engage a robotic grappling arm of the space station.
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