Thanks for your input PrivateFlip. This is the first time I've tried to write a KSP mod, but no I didn't think it would be easy. I've got plenty of C# and game development experience but none for Unity/KSP. You're exactly right about what I was thinking. My original idea was building docking port derivatives that a kerbal on EVA could bolt together, creating a stronger connection between the pieces. I don't think that'll be worth the effort at least for now. I've got a fall back idea that I think may work. It goes like this: create a more rigid structure by making a few connections using whatever the Unity version of a rigid joint is between the part one of the docking ports is attached to and the part that the other docking port is attached to. That may be confusing, here's an example: you have a 3 kerbal pod with a docking port connected to a 1 kerbal lander can with a docking port, the stack looks like: pod | port | port | can You EVA with a kerbal and berth the connection. Internally the code attaches 3 invisible rigid joints between the 3 kerbal pod and the lander can; the joints are spread out 180 degrees from each other along the outer radius of the docking port. I think this second version is more tenable. Unfortunately my ignorance coupled with a frustrating lack of documentation, lack of a debugger and minutes long load KSP, do the action and check the log test cycle makes for very slow going. Thanks for reading my ramblings. If you have any suggestions I'd love to hear them.