Docking mechanisms are key elements in human space exploration. Their criticality on the success of exploration missions is well understood. This paper presents the development of a docking and berthing system that allows the pressurized transfer of big payloads and that is compatible with the envisaged requirements for human exploration. The Extended Berthing Docking Mechanism (EBDM) is a derivative of the International Berthing Docking Mechanism (IBDM), in which the additional capabilities for cargo transfer and exploration missions are implemented. The IBDM is a versatile, actively damped berthing and docking mechanism for all types of future manned and unmanned vehicles. It is the first coupling mechanism that allows berthing and docking operations using the same hardware. The IBDM configuration is androgynous, which means that two identical assemblies can be used on each side of the mating interface. The baseline design for the IBDM provides a passageway that is suitable for crew transfer in a shirtsleeve environment. The development activities for the EBDM are started from the baseline IBDM concept. This means that an androgynous design, based on an actively controlled Steward platform and using magnetic capture technology, is maintained. The focus in the development is placed on the optimal system architecture to allow big payload transfers (ISPR compatible) and to be compatible with the human exploration requirements.
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