This paper presents a docking mechanism for small satellites and CubeSat.
The mechanism employs a semi-androgynous shape-shifting geometry.
Simulations and simple laboratory tests were performed.
Ports can manage up to 4576516000515&_mathId=si0001.gif&_user=111111111&_pii=S0094576516000515&_rdoc=1&_issn=00945765&md5=60e4862a8fe017f5b94f6c4bd0376db0" title="Click to view the MathML source">5° or 15 mm of relative misalignment.
The developed port has reached a TRL of about 3–4.