Plug in shuttle

From http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/6943451.stm

The mission is scheduled to last for 11 days but can be extended to 14
thanks to a new piece of equipment that allows the shuttle to tap into
the power grid of the ISS.

This is what we call a "plug".

I'm amazed this hasn't been done before. Both systems must be using
batteries somewhere in their systems so recharging must be pretty
straightforward. Even if their worried about vacuum welding
contactless charging devices are off the shelf items.

Is this an illustration of how EVERYTHING in space needs to be
reinvented, making it hugely expensive. Or is it an illustration of
the expensive way NASA chooses to do things.

.

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