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IDSS (International Docking System Standard)

The International Docking System Standard (IDSS) Interface Definition Document (IDD) establishes a standard docking interface to enable collaborative endeavors between the International space fairing community while also supporting possible crew rescue operations. The IDSS was developed by the ISS participating partners and first baselined in 2010, with the goal to support the following missions:
  1. International Space Station (ISS) visitation and other Low Earth Orbit (LEO) platforms.
  2. Exploration missions beyond LEO.
  3. Crew rescue.
  4. International cooperative mission.
The IDSS is managed by a committee of cooperating international space agencies. In the future additional members are expected to be added to the committee and including participation by space industry. The committee addresses questions, evaluates implementations by programs, and considers proposed enhancements while looking forward to supporting the growing space architectures in LEO and beyond. As in-space and surface architectures expand and are developed, the committee will support additional standards development as needed.
image of the APDS docking mechanism.
image of the international space station in space.
image of gateway satelite.
image of iss ida docking mechanism.
rendering of spacex pod with docking component.