Rendezvous and Docking

This lecture covers the concept of rendezvous between two spacecraft, where one is on the ground (chaser) and the other in orbit (target). It explains the process of bringing them together, considering initial and final conditions, as well as the use of sensors and maneuvers to achieve docking or grapple. The instructor details the importance of co-planar orbits, differential nodal regression, and the role of ground-targeted and onboard processes. Examples include rendezvous with the International Space Station and the Hubble Space Telescope, highlighting manual and automatic operations, as well as the challenges and precision required for successful grapple and docking maneuvers.