First, the requirement for a spring thruster designed to help separate the two spacecraft had caught their attention, since the failure of this thruster to compress properly could prevent completion of docking. Second, Lunney and Bushuyev emphasized the importance of an indicator that would verify that the structural latches were properly in place. The American system provided information on the functioning of each latch but did not indicate that the interface seals were compressed, while the Soviet system gave data on compression of the seals but none for the latches.
The team was initially focused on a spring thruster needed to separate the spacecraft, as its malfunction could prevent docking.  They also emphasized the need for an indicator confirming that the structural latches were securely fastened. The American system provided information about latch operation but lacked details on seal compression, while the Soviet system offered data on seal compression but not latch status.