US Patent 11702229 Berthing system for spacecraft

Berthing systems for visiting spacecraft and associated methods. In one embodiment, a berthing system includes a tunnel having an interface surface that defines a hard capture mating plane for mating with a docking system of a target spacecraft. The berthing system further includes hooks disposed circumferentially on the interface surface, one or more pressure seals disposed on the interface surface, spring-loaded guide petals spaced around an inner peripheral surface of the tunnel that are configured to independently slide in the axial direction, and capture latches spaced around the inner peripheral surface that are configured to engage mechanical latch strikers on the docking system.