OSP to have autonomous docking?

According to this story on CNN, the OSP will have autonomous docking:

http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/0....ap/index.html

"Unique to American spacecraft, the plane will be designed to fly either
manned or unmanned. Smith said an auto guidance system will allow the plane
could be flown remotely to rendezvous and dock with the Space Station, and
then return to Earth. With no humans aboard, the craft could be used to haul
light cargo to the orbiting lab."

If such a system is being developed, could it be used for a larger unmanned
system to deliver large modules for when they finally retire the three
remaining shuttle orbiters?

Well, I don't think I am qualified to help NASA design their OSP, but
I do wonder about the status of the DART program. My understanding is
that DART is the technology pathfinder for OSP, and it will test the
AVGS sensor that OSP will use for its automated docking. How is DART
doing? I seem to remember that DART is supposed to fly Real Soon Now.



(Hallerb) wrote in message ...

"Unique to American spacecraft, the plane will be designed to fly either
manned or unmanned. Smith said an

I think they should drop the plane and go with a capsule. Less expensive to
build, less complex, fewer malfunction chances, and its already been done
repeatedly.