Abstract: A method is provided for realigning or relieving mechanical stress in a spacecraft frame. The process includes providing a spacecraft which includes at least two frame subsections connected by a mechanical connector. The mechanical connector provides both a soft dock connection which mechanically connects the two frame subsections but allows relative movement between the two frame sections and a hard dock connection which mechanically connects the two frame subsections but does not allow relative movement between the two frame sections. Once in space, a controller causes the mechanical connector to transition from a hard dock connection to a soft dock connection, which is maintained for a predetermined time period to realign or relieve stress within the spacecraft frame. Thereafter, the controller causes the mechanical connector to transition from the soft dock connection back to the hard dock connection.