International Berthing and Docking Mechanism (IBDM)
Redwire Space Belgium (ex-QinetiQ Space)
Androgynous, low-impact docking and berthing system for crewed and robotic spacecraft, developed at the Kruibeke, Belgium facility.
Technical specifications
- Type
- Androgynous docking/berthing mechanism
- Standard compatibility
- NASA Docking System Standard (IDSS)
- Capture method
- Soft-capture, low-impact electromechanical
- Application
- Crewed and robotic spacecraft, space stations
- Developer heritage
- QinetiQ Space / Redwire Space Belgium, Kruibeke
About
The International Berthing and Docking Mechanism (IBDM) is an androgynous, NASA International Docking System Standard (IDSS)-compatible docking and berthing system developed by Redwire Space Belgium (formerly QinetiQ Space) in Kruibeke. It uses a soft-capture system with electromechanical actuators to absorb docking loads with low impact forces, enabling safe, repeatable docking and berthing of crewed and robotic spacecraft to stations such as the International Space Station. IBDM heritage builds on decades of Belgian space-mechanisms engineering at the Kruibeke facility.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.
