Lockheed Martin has announced the release of Mission Augmentation Port (MAP), an open-source, non-proprietary interface standard to support on-orbit docking within the industry. The MAP standard provides a mechanical interface design for docking spacecraft to one another. Equipping satellites with docking adapters offers a novel way to add new mission capabilities to a platform after launch.

Lockheed Martin’s own Augmentation System Port Interface (ASPIN) is designed to be compliant with the MAP standard. The ASPIN adapter provides electrical and data interface between a host spacecraft and a satellite augmentation vehicle (SAV). With this technology, we’re able to upgrade operational spacecraft at the speed of technology and provide built-in servicing infrastructure for spacecraft on orbit.

The data released by Lockheed Martin can be used by designers to develop their own MAP-compliant docking adapters that will – barring some required discussion between servicers and hosts to coordinate missions – permit interoperability of docking satellites.

Specifically, the documents released contain the information required for a compliant physical mate of docking port halves, such as the dimensions of plates and petals. While determined to be application specific, suggestions for electrical interfaces and docking profiles are included.