 Deflections induced by internal pressure acting on radially-oriented ports of cylindrical modules became recognized as a critical developmental issue.The Task Force’s final report also appears to be among the earliest references to “common...berthing mechanisms”.In parallel with the on-going system-level configuration studies, NASA anticipated that concept development projects for advanced docking and berthing mechanisms “...to substantially reduce docking loads (velocities less than 0.1 ft/sec) and provide payload berthing capabilities...will be initiated beginning in Fiscal Year 1984.”

The Berthing Mechanism Advanced Development program actually started in 1985, leading to full-scale testing in the Six-Degree-of-Freedom test facility at Marshall Spaceflight Center (MSFC).