Pressurized Mating Adapter
A Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA) is a spacecraft adapter used on the International Space Station (ISS) to convert a Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) interface to an APAS-95 docking port. Three PMAs are connected to the US Orbital Segment of ISS. PMA-1 and PMA-2 were launched with the Unity module in 1998 aboard STS-88; PMA-3 was launched in 2000 aboard STS-92. PMA-1 permanently connects the Unity and Zarya modules. IDA adapters have been installed on PMA-2 and PMA-3 which convert them to IDSS docking ports.
PMA-2 attached to the forward port of Destiny, where it was located between 2001 and 2007
Expedition 58 crew member Anne McClain inside PMA-1, with the interior of Zarya in the background. PMA-1 has served as the bridge between Zarya and Unity since the modules were berthed in 1998.
Docking and berthing of spacecraft
Docking and berthing of spacecraft is the joining of two space vehicles. This connection can be temporary, or partially permanent such as for space station modules.
Free-flying Progress spacecraft in process of docking to the International Space Station
SpaceX Dragon spacecraft attached to the Canadarm2 in preparation for berthing to the ISS
The first spacecraft docking was performed between Gemini 8 and an uncrewed Agena Target Vehicle on March 16, 1966.
Flight Support Structure in Columbia's payload bay under the 180 degree mark on the -V3 plane of the Hubble Space Telescope during STS-109.
