Space Rendezvous Using Visual Cues Only

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Abstract
Seven trained subjects flew simulated short range coplanar orbital rendezvous maneuvers, using direct visual cues only. Two rendezvous techniques were compared: line-of-sight and trajectory. In the former, the subject could control up-down and fore-aft thrust only; in the latter, he could, in addition, control pitch. Using either technique, all subjects were able to maneuver successfully to a position 100 ft directly in front of the target at a terminal velocity of less than 5 ft/sec. Significantly less fuel was expended in performing the trajectory maneuver. The principal man-machine performance factors in the line-of-sight maneuver were tentatively described as the ability to conserve fuel used for longitudinal and vertical translation, the ability to conserve mission time, and the ability to proficiently close with the target. The principal factors for the trajectory maneuver were tentatively described as the ability to conserve fuel for longitudinal translation, the ability to conserve mission time, the ability to effectively apply longitudinal thrusts and conserve fuel used for vertical translation, and the ability to match the trajectory path of a minimum fuel two impulse maneuver.

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