// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Docking
The process of two independent spacecraft physically joining together in space, forming a single, connected unit. This is common for transferring crew or cargo.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Docking is the controlled, physical rendezvous and mechanical coupling of two independent spacecraft in orbit, typically involving a soft capture followed by hard mating, to create a single, integrated structure for purposes such as crew transfer, cargo delivery, or orbital assembly.
BACKGROUND
The International Space Station (ISS) is a space station in low Earth orbit (LEO). It is the product of the International Space Station program and is operated by five partner space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and CSA (Canada). It is the first space station built, maintained and crewed through international cooperation and the largest human spacecraft ever constructed. It is an orbital research station, where scientific experiments in microgravity are conducted and the space environment is studied. Since 2 November 2000, it has hosted the longest continuous presence of humans in space. Alongside Tiangong, it is one of the only two currently operational space stations.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Rendezvous and docking
- Berthing
- Mating
- Coupling
USAGE NOTE
The Dragon capsule successfully completed docking with the ISS.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Docking.
The US national space agency, extensively involved in developing and operating docking systems for human spaceflight missions, including the Apollo program, Space Shuttle, and the International Space Station. They are also developing docking standards and technologies for future lunar and deep-space missions, such as the Lunar Gateway.
Develops and operates the Dragon spacecraft, which autonomously docks with the International Space Station for cargo and crew transport. They are also developing docking capabilities for their Starship vehicle for future in-orbit refueling and space station operations.
A major aerospace company that developed the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, designed to autonomously dock with the International Space Station for crew transport. They are also involved in other space infrastructure projects that may require docking capabilities.
A collaborative intergovernmental organization involved in developing various space technologies, including docking systems for its contributions to the International Space Station (e.g., ATV) and future missions related to lunar exploration and in-orbit servicing.
The Russian state corporation responsible for space flights, which has a long history of developing and operating robust docking systems for its Soyuz and Progress spacecraft to connect with the Mir space station and the International Space Station.
A company specializing in in-orbit servicing, debris removal, and space situational awareness. Their missions require sophisticated rendezvous, proximity operations, and precise docking or capture technologies to interact with other spacecraft or debris.
Developing in-orbit refueling infrastructure and services. Their 'Gas Stations in Space' concept relies on standardized fluid transfer interfaces and advanced autonomous docking capabilities to connect with client satellites for refueling.
Developing the Dream Chaser spaceplane for cargo and future crew transport, which will berth with the International Space Station. They are also working on expandable orbital habitats (LIFE habitats) that will require docking mechanisms for assembly and connectivity.
The Japanese national aerospace agency, which developed the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) for cargo delivery to the ISS (berthing). They are also researching and developing autonomous rendezvous and docking technologies for future space missions and in-orbit servicing.
A global aerospace and defense technology company, primarily known in this context for its Cygnus cargo spacecraft, which berths with the ISS. They are also involved in various other space programs and infrastructure developments that may integrate or require docking technologies.