An automated docking system for space vehicles that includes a plurality of
antennas on each of a target vehicle and a chase vehicle. A pseudo random
code is transmitted via one of the antennas located on one of the vehicles
and received by one of the antennas located on the other vehicle. The
pseudo random code is then sent back to the original vehicle via
transmissions from the plurality of antennas on the second vehicle and
received by the plurality of antennas on the original vehicle. The
distance from each of the antennas on the other vehicle to each of the
antennas on the originating vehicle can be measured in this fashion. The
antennas on each of the vehicles are located in a spaced-apart arrangement
so that the angular orientation or attitude of each of the vehicles to
each other can also be determined. A plurality of video cameras is
provided on the exterior of one of the vehicles and video information from
these cameras is transmitted to the other vehicle for display to operators
in that vehicle. Commands between the vehicles can also be communicated.
