Docking Mechanism

Apollo drogue and probe assemblies. The docking ring is part of theApollo Command Module.
Module statistics
Docked	19 times
Diameter	32 inches (81 cm)

Thedocking mechanism of theApollo was a "probe and drogue" system designed to allow theApollo Command/Service Module (CSM) todock with theApollo Lunar Module. The same system was later used for theSkylab 2,Skylab 3 andSkylab 4 CSMs to dock with theSkylabspace station, and theApollo–Soyuz Test Project CSM to dock with a Docking Module adapter which allowed docking with the Soyuz 19 spacecraft. There were 12 hard latches.^[1][2][3]

The Apollo system differed from theGemini Docking Mechanism in that after locking, the probe and drogue mechanism could be manually removed to allow access between the two docked craft. Ideas from this system were instrumental in creating later systems, like those used in theSpace Shuttle, theInternational Space Station, and others.^[4]

The Apollo docking system was used successfully in thirteen missions in Earth and lunar orbits between 1969 and 1975. The only serious problems were experienced onApollo 14 andSkylab 2, when the probe systems failed to capture the drogue receptacles during repeated docking attempts. Successful docking was eventually accomplished in both missions.^[5]

• Space rendezvous
• Space Race
• Soyuz Kontakt docking
• List of crewed lunar lander designs

• Apollo–Soyuz Test Project
• NTRS.NASA

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