Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

International Docking Adapter

The International Docking Adapter (IDA) is a spacecraft docking mechanism designed to enable the connection of commercial crew vehicles and future international spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS), serving as a standardized interface for automated docking, power and data transfer, and crew ingress and egress. Developed under NASA's Commercial Crew Program in collaboration with partners like Boeing and SpaceX, the IDA converts existing Pressurized Mating Adapters (PMAs) on the ISS into compatible ports that adhere to the International Docking System Standard (IDSS), a common mechanical, electrical, and data interface established by international space agencies to facilitate interoperability among diverse spacecraft. Each IDA measures approximately 42 inches in height and 63 inches in width, with a 94-inch outer diameter, and incorporates advanced features such as laser-based ranging sensors, machine vision cameras, and structural fittings to support precise alignment and secure attachment during docking operations. The development of the IDA began in the early as part of efforts to transition ISS access from the retired to new U.S. commercial vehicles, with leading the design and fabrication using components sourced from 25 U.S. states and primary structures provided by Russia's RSC-Energia. Originally, three IDAs were planned: IDA-1, IDA-2, and IDA-3. However, IDA-1 was lost during the June 28, 2015, explosion of a cargo mission en route to the ISS, leading to its replacement materials being repurposed for IDA-3. IDA-2 was successfully launched aboard CRS-9 in July 2016 and installed via (EVA) on the forward-facing PMA-2 port of the module in August 2016, marking the first operational IDA. IDA-3 followed, launching on CRS-18 in July 2019 and being installed during an EVA on the zenith-facing PMA-3 port of in August 2019, expanding the station's docking capacity. These adapters have since supported key missions, including the inaugural docking of Crew Dragon in 2020 and tests as of 2024, while paving the way for broader international compatibility under the IDSS framework.

History

Early Concepts

In the post-Space Shuttle era, recognized the need for standardized docking interfaces on the (ISS) to enable reliable access by emerging U.S. commercial crew vehicles, such as SpaceX's Crew Dragon and Boeing's Starliner, ensuring compatibility and safety for crew transport missions. This push for standardization arose from the retirement of the Shuttle program in 2011, which left a gap in crewed access to the ISS and necessitated adaptable docking solutions for diverse spacecraft designs. One early concept was the APAS to LIDS Adaptor System (ATLAS), announced in 2008 as part of the Constellation program to facilitate Orion spacecraft dockings to the ISS. ATLAS was designed to convert the Russian Androgynous Peripheral Attach System (APAS-95) ports on the ISS—located on the Harmony and Poisk modules—into compatible interfaces for the U.S. Low Impact Docking System (LIDS) on Orion, allowing low-impact soft capture and alignment without excessive forces on the station. The passive ATLAS adapter was planned for delivery to the ISS via Japan's H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) around 2013, with two units intended to outfit the forward APAS ports for Orion's initial crewed missions. However, ATLAS was canceled in 2011 following the redirection of the Orion program away from ISS operations, as NASA's focus shifted toward deep-space exploration with Orion, rendering ISS-specific adaptations unnecessary. Parallel to ATLAS, the Common Docking Adapter (CDA) was announced in 2009 to expand ISS docking capabilities by converting the station's Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) ports—originally designed for automated cargo vehicles like the Japanese HTV—into active NASA Docking System (NDS) interfaces for future crewed vehicles. The CDA was envisioned as a passive adapter installed on Node-2's forward or zenith CBM port via HTV delivery, providing power, data, and command links to support U.S. spacecraft dockings while maintaining compatibility with existing ISS resources. This concept aimed to leverage the underutilized CBM infrastructure for crew access in the post-Shuttle landscape. Ultimately, the CDA was canceled as docking standards evolved, with NASA opting instead to repurpose existing Pressurized Mating Adapters (PMAs) to align with the emerging International Docking System Standard (IDSS).

Development and Contracts

NASA initiated the development of the International Docking Adapter (IDA) in 2011 following the cancellation of the , as part of efforts to standardize interfaces for commercial spacecraft at the (ISS) under the . This policy decision aimed to convert the U.S. On-orbit Segment ports to the (IDSS), building on prior low-impact technologies to enable compatible operations with international partners. NASA contracted Boeing to design and fabricate the IDAs, incorporating contributions from Russia's RSC Energia for primary structural elements to maintain compatibility with the Androgynous Peripheral Attach System (APAS). Manufacturing occurred at Boeing's facilities in , , with components supplied by suppliers across 25 U.S. states, ensuring a distributed U.S. industrial base. The program's requirements were influenced by earlier adapter concepts like the APAS-to-LIDS Adapter System (ATLAS) and Common Docking Adapter (CDA), which shaped the need for seamless integration with existing ISS infrastructure. Production milestones advanced rapidly, with the first IDA achieving delivery readiness by 2015 after rigorous testing of docking mechanisms at NASA's . SpaceX played a key role in the program's logistics, contracted to transport the IDAs to the ISS aboard resupply missions as part of NASA's broader commercial partnerships. This timeline aligned with preparations for commercial crew vehicles.

Design

Physical Specifications

The International Docking Adapter (IDA) has a height of 110 cm, a width of 160 cm, and an outer diameter of 240 cm including the passive docking targets. It weighs 526 kg. The adapter features an aluminum alloy structure, primarily using alloys such as 6061-T6511 compliant with QQ-A-200/8, incorporating passive alignment guides in the form of guide petals and targets designed for laser ranging systems like the Proximity Sensor Assembly. Qualified for the , the operates in conditions below 1.0 × 10⁻⁴ and withstands thermal extremes from approximately -150°C to +120°C, with protection against micrometeoroids and orbital debris through integrated shielding. Manufacturing was led by , which assembled the adapter using components from suppliers across 25 U.S. states, while primary structures were produced by RSC Energia in to maintain compatibility with the APAS interface.

Docking Interface

The International Docking Adapter (IDA) serves as a conversion mechanism that adapts the legacy (APAS-95) ports on the International Space Station's Pressurized Mating Adapters (PMAs) to passive (IDSS) ports. This adaptation enables docking with active spacecraft equipped with compatible Docking System (NDS) hardware, such as SpaceX's Dragon 2 or Boeing's Starliner, by providing a standardized passive interface that supports androgynous mating without requiring modifications to the existing PMA structure. The IDA's design ensures seamless integration with the IDSS, facilitating international collaboration in crew and cargo transportation to the ISS. At the core of the IDA's docking interface is an androgynous docking ring that incorporates 3 soft capture latches for initial contact and stabilization, 12 hard capture hooks for final securement, and 3 guide petals to aid in precise alignment during approach. These components work in sequence: the soft capture latches engage first to dampen relative motion and establish a soft mate, followed by the hard capture hooks that lock the vehicles together, while the guide petals provide structural guidance and misalignment correction. Additionally, passive reflector targets mounted on the serve as reference points for relative systems on the approaching , enabling accurate sensor-based positioning without active emissions from the adapter. The fully complies with IDSS and NDS requirements, accommodating approach misalignments of up to ±10 cm laterally and ±20 cm axially to ensure robust performance under varying orbital conditions. is enhanced through a redundant power and umbilical system, which provides dual pathways for electrical connectivity with a capacity of 25 amps at 126 VDC, minimizing single-point failure risks during power transfer and command/ exchange. Furthermore, the interface distributes structural loads evenly across the capture mechanisms, supporting a maximum design limit of 22,700 kg (50,000 lbf) to withstand the stresses of maneuvers and on-orbit operations.

Deployment

Loss of IDA-1

The International Docking Adapter-1 (IDA-1) was manifested as the primary payload on the Commercial Resupply Services-7 (CRS-7) , launched aboard a from Air Force Station in on June 28, 2015. Approximately 139 seconds after liftoff, an anomaly occurred in the second stage's tank pressurization system, leading to a rapid overpressurization event and the subsequent disintegration of the vehicle at an altitude of about 45 kilometers over the Atlantic Ocean. The failure resulted in the total loss of the Dragon cargo spacecraft and its payloads, including IDA-1, with no injuries reported as the was uncrewed. A joint NASA-SpaceX investigation determined that the root cause was the failure of a strut supporting a helium within the second stage, which allowed the vessel to shift and rupture the tank; this issue stemmed from an undetected material defect in an industrial-grade casting used in the strut. The incident caused significant to International Space Station docking port upgrades, as IDA-1 was intended to convert the forward into a NASA Docking System-compatible port for future commercial crew vehicles. In response, NASA promptly decided to assemble a replacement IDA module using existing spare parts and components already in inventory, redesignated as IDA-3, to minimize further schedule disruptions to the overall docking adapter program.

Installation of IDA-2

The International Docking Adapter-2 (IDA-2) was constructed by as a replacement for IDA-1 following its loss during the launch failure in June 2015. It launched on July 18, 2016, aboard the CRS-9 Dragon cargo spacecraft, carried in the unpressurized trunk section and lifted by a rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Air Force Station in . The mission delivered approximately 5,970 pounds (2,708 kg) of pressurized cargo, scientific experiments, and the IDA-2 module to support NASA's Resupply Services program. The Dragon spacecraft autonomously docked to the module's nadir port on the (ISS) on July 20, 2016, after being captured by the Canadarm2 robotic arm. Once berthed, the IDA-2 remained in the trunk for temporary external stowage until robotic operations could extract it. On August 18, 2016, ground controllers used the Canadarm2, with the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (Dextre) , to remove the IDA-2 from the trunk and maneuver it to a position approximately 30 cm from the forward Pressurized Mating Adapter-2 (PMA-2) on the module, where it was held in place for final attachment. The primary installation occurred during U.S. (EVA) 36 on August 19, 2016, conducted by astronauts Jeff Williams and Kate Rubins, lasting 5 hours and 58 minutes. The spacewalkers removed the multi-layer insulation blanket from PMA-2, connected power, video, Ethernet, data, and heater cables between PMA-2 and IDA-2, installed a ground strap, and released 24 latches to secure the adapter in place. This process converted the PMA-2 port to the interface, enabling automated docking for future commercial crew vehicles. Following the EVA, ground teams and the Expedition 48 crew verified the IDA-2's alignment, structural integrity, and electrical connections through and surveys, confirming full functionality and readiness for operations. The Dragon spacecraft was unberthed on August 21, 2016, and returned to with cargo, completing the delivery phase.

Installation of IDA-3

The International Docking Adapter-3 (IDA-3) was launched aboard SpaceX's Commercial Resupply Services-18 (CRS-18) mission on July 25, 2019, at 6:01 p.m. EDT (22:01 UTC) from Space Launch Complex 40 at Air Force Station in , using a rocket. The adapter, built by , was stowed in the unpressurized trunk of the cargo spacecraft, which carried approximately 5,000 pounds of additional research experiments, crew supplies, and hardware to the (ISS). Following launch, the Dragon spacecraft autonomously approached the ISS and was captured by the Canadarm2 robotic arm at 1:01 p.m. EDT on July 26, 2019, with Expedition 60 Flight Engineer operating the arm from inside the station. The spacecraft was subsequently berthed to the Harmony module's forward port on July 27, marking the first reuse of a Dragon capsule for a third flight. After unloading pressurized cargo, ground controllers at directed Canadarm2 to extract IDA-3 from the Dragon's trunk on August 19, 2019, positioning it temporarily near the installation site. The primary installation of IDA-3 occurred robotically on August 20, 2019, when Canadarm2, in coordination with the Dextre robotic manipulator, transferred the 1,150-pound adapter to the zenith port of the Pressurized Mating Adapter-3 (PMA-3) on the module, bolting it into place to convert the APAS-89 docking interface to the (IDSS). This process built on the installation of IDA-2 in 2016, which involved robotic positioning followed by EVA for final attachment and cable connections, but was adapted for PMA-3's relocated position following its move to Harmony zenith in 2017. On August 21, 2019, NASA astronauts Andrew Morgan and conducted U.S. EVA-55, a 6-hour, 33-minute spacewalk to route and connect power, data, and communication cables, securing the adapter's operational readiness. Commissioning of IDA-3 was finalized during Expedition 60, with internal control panel activations and system checks confirming electrical, data, and thermal connections by late August 2019, enabling automated capabilities for future commercial crew vehicles such as Boeing's Starliner and 's Dragon.

Operations

Commercial Crew Dockings

The (IDAs) have facilitated the integration of commercial crew vehicles with the (ISS), enabling regular rotations and private missions following their installation on the module. The first to an IDA occurred during the uncrewed test mission on March 3, 2019, when the spacecraft autonomously connected to IDA-2 on Harmony's forward port, validating the Docking System (NDS) interface for future crewed operations. This milestone paved the way for crewed flights, with the inaugural operational crewed achieved by 's Crew-1 mission on November 16, 2020, also to IDA-2, carrying four astronauts for a six-month expedition. Boeing's CST-100 Starliner achieved its first to an during the crewed Crew Flight Test (CFT) on June 6, 2024, connecting to IDA-3 on Harmony's port and transporting astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams for an extended stay aboard the ISS. Prior to this, Starliner's uncrewed Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) in May 2022 had served as a validation for the at IDA-2, confirming compatibility despite initial thruster concerns during ascent. These events demonstrated the IDAs' role in supporting dual-vehicle redundancy for 's , with installations of IDA-2 and IDA-3 enabling such integrations. As of November 2025, has completed 16 Crew Dragon dockings across IDA-2 and IDA-3, encompassing crew rotation missions such as Crew-11 (docked August 2025), private expeditions including Ax-4 (docked June 2025), and other commercial flights, significantly enhancing ISS access for international and private astronauts. These operations rely on autonomous procedures, where Crew Dragon employs laser-based relative systems—such as thermal and triangulation scanners—to achieve precise alignment and soft capture with the IDAs, typically within 24 hours of launch. Post-capture, pressure checks and equalization between vehicles precede hatch opening, which occurs approximately two hours after to ensure safety before crew transfer.

Cargo and Other Missions

The International Docking Adapters (IDAs) have enabled Cargo Dragon spacecraft to perform resupply s to the since December 2020, when the CRS-21 became the first to autonomously dock to IDA-2 on the forward port of the . By November 2025, has completed 13 such s to the IDAs, including CRS-33 (docked August 2025), delivering supplies, scientific payloads, and station hardware essential for ongoing operations. These uncrewed flights typically carry between 3,000 and 6,000 pounds of pressurized per , supporting in areas like , , and technology demonstrations. In addition to routine resupply, the IDAs have supported key uncrewed test missions, including Boeing's Starliner Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2), which successfully docked to IDA-2 on May 21, 2022, after launching atop a rocket. This demonstration validated Starliner's rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking capabilities with the station, carrying over 500 pounds of cargo and conducting more than 80 tests during its four-day stay. For international applications, the IDSS standard integrated into the IDAs has facilitated compatibility demonstrations for potential future European cargo vehicles, such as through the European Space Agency's (ESA) development of the International Berthing and Docking Mechanism (IBDM) as a conceptual successor to the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV). The IBDM enables automated docking and berthing compatible with IDAs, supporting low-impact interfaces for resupply and exploration missions. However, Russian Progress cargo spacecraft and crew vehicles continue to dock using the legacy (APAS) on the , without direct utilization of the IDAs. As of November 2025, the two operational IDAs have accommodated 31 docking events in total, including crewed and cargo deliveries as well as tests, with a 100% success rate for all mediated dockings since their installation, underscoring the adapters' robust performance and safety.

References

  1. [1]
    Meet the International Docking Adapter - NASA
    Oct 5, 2015 · Learn more about the two International Docking Adapters - the physical connecting point for spacecraft traveling to the International Space ...
  2. [2]
    [PDF] International Docking System Standard (IDSS) Interface Definition ...
    This International Docking System Standard (IDSS) Interface Definition Document (IDD) establishes a standard docking interface to enable on-orbit crew ...
  3. [3]
    NASA TV to Air US Spacewalk, Briefing on Installation of Space ...
    Aug 8, 2016 · The two astronauts will venture outside the space station's Quest airlock to install the first IDA onto Pressurized Mating Adapter-2 ...
  4. [4]
    Watch Spacewalkers Install New Commercial Docking Port ... - NASA
    Aug 20, 2019 · IDA-3 will provide a second docking port to the International Space Station to accommodate the future arrivals of Boeing CST-100 Starliner ...
  5. [5]
    [PDF] Commercial Crew Program - NASA
    The CST-100 Starliner is Boeing's commercial crew transportation spacecraft. CST stands for. Crew Space Transportation and 100 represents the Kármán line ...
  6. [6]
    NASA develops new docking system for Constellation - FlightGlobal
    Jan 4, 2008 · The ATLAS comprises an "active APAS" which attaches to the ISS's ports' "passive APAS", and a LIDS interface that will be used to attach to the ...
  7. [7]
    Constellation Reviews Progress of LIDS Docking System for Orion
    Sep 29, 2009 · This passive LIDS interface adapter (ATLAS) will be developed by the ISS Program – with delivery to the ISS via Japan's HTV expected in 2013 or ...
  8. [8]
    [PDF] The Space Operations Simulation Center (SOSC) and Closed-loop ...
    The ATLAS is integrated as part of the ISS mock- up when required and is the adapter that allows the LIDS to be deployed and useful as part of the ISS ...
  9. [9]
    [PDF] NASA DOCKING SYSTEM (NDS) USERS GUIDE International ...
    Nov 16, 2010 · The CDA will allow spacecraft properly equipped with the NDS to dock to the ISS and receive available station resources.Missing: HTV | Show results with:HTV
  10. [10]
    [PDF] International Space Station Environmental Control and Life Support ...
    Feb 8, 2010 · The Program is also working on a new docking adapter, called the Common Docking. Adapter (CDA). The CDA will be used to dock the Constellation ...
  11. [11]
    [PDF] ISS - Enabling Exploration through Docking Standards
    CDA. New Docking Adapter Configuration. • Until recently, new CBM-based adapters were planned for ISS. • Change was made to use existing. Pressurized Mating ...
  12. [12]
    Overview of the NASA Docking System (NDS) and the International ...
    With the cancellation of the Constellation Program, NASA made a policy decision to convert both of the docking ports on the United States On-orbit Segment (USOS) ...Missing: announcement | Show results with:announcement
  13. [13]
    Enabling Exploration Through the International Docking System ...
    The International Space Station (ISS) partnership has developed a publically available International Docking ... January 1, 2011. Subject Category. Space ...Missing: announcement | Show results with:announcement
  14. [14]
    ISS Interface Mechanisms and their Heritage
    Jan 1, 2011 · This paper will examine the attachment mechanisms on the ISS and their attributes. It will also look ahead at the new NASA docking system and trace its lineage ...Missing: announcement | Show results with:announcement
  15. [15]
    Docking Adapter, Satellites, Student Experiments Lost In Dragon ...
    Jun 28, 2015 · The largest, and perhaps most valuable, item lost on the Dragon was an International Docking Adapter (IDA), a 526-kilogram item transported ...
  16. [16]
    [PDF] International Docking System Standard (IDSS) Interface Definition ...
    The IDSS is intended for uses ranging from crewed to autonomous space vehicles, and from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to deep- space exploration missions.Missing: CDA cancellation
  17. [17]
  18. [18]
    [PDF] NASA Docking System (NDS) Interface Definitions Document (IDD)
    Dec 6, 2013 · The contents of this document define the integrated performance and interface design for NASA. Docking System (NDS) Block 1 and the ...
  19. [19]
    Medical Science for Crew as SpaceX Preps for Cargo Delivery - NASA
    Jun 25, 2015 · The largest payload being delivered on SpaceX CRS-7 is the first of two international docking adapters (IDA #1). The IDA #1 will be ...
  20. [20]
    SpaceX's Falcon 9 fails during launch following second stage issue
    Jun 28, 2015 · ... CRS-7 was carrying the first International Docking Adaptor, IDA-1. A second adaptor is expected to launch with the CRS-9 mission at the end ...
  21. [21]
    [PDF] NASA Independent Review Team SpaceX CRS-7 Accident ...
    Mar 12, 2018 · On 28 June 2015, at approximately 10:21 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, SpaceX launched its. CRS-7, or SpX CRS-7, cargo resupply mission bound for ...Missing: IDA- | Show results with:IDA-
  22. [22]
    SpaceX rocket explodes during launch of cargo capsule for space ...
    Jun 28, 2015 · When the booster began to break apart at 139 seconds, it was approximately 30 miles high (45 kilometers) traveling more than 2,900 mph (4,700 ...Missing: altitude | Show results with:altitude
  23. [23]
    SpaceX Failure, CRS-7 Mission Ends In Catastrophic Loss Of ...
    Jun 28, 2015 · The first International Docking Adapter headed to the International Space Station was one of the major losses of today's failure. The adapter, ...
  24. [24]
    [PDF] FOREVER REMEMBERED - NASA
    Jul 1, 2015 · The first International Docking Adapter, or IDA, lost on the CRS-7 mission will be replaced with an identical version made from parts already on ...
  25. [25]
    SpaceX CRS-9 Briefings and Events - NASA
    Jul 12, 2016 · NASA provider SpaceX is scheduled to launch its ninth Commercial Resupply Services mission to the International Space Station Monday, July 18.
  26. [26]
    [PDF] spacex crs-9 mission overview | nasa
    Launch is targeted for Monday, July 18,. 2016. The spacecraft will launch aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and ...
  27. [27]
    International Space Station Visiting Vehicles - NASA
    9/29/2024 – SpaceX Crew-9 Dock · 9/28/2024 – SpaceX Crew-9 Launch · 9/23/2024 ... 8/26/16 – SpaceX CRS-9 Splashdown · 7/20/16 – SpaceX CRS-9 Capture · 7/18/16 ...
  28. [28]
    Spacewalk installs docking adapter to ready ISS for commercial crew
    Aug 19, 2016 · It was originally planned to fly two APAS To LIDS Adapter System (ATLAS) docking adapters to the ISS, in order to convert the two APAS ports on ...
  29. [29]
    ISS On-Orbit Status Report Archives - NASA
    Aug 31, 2016 · U.S. Extravehicular Activity (EVA) #36: Williams (EV-1) and Rubins (EV-2) completed the following activities to install the International ...
  30. [30]
    Space Station Open for Commercial Crew, As EVA-36 Team Installs ...
    Aug 20, 2016 · The International Docking Adapter (IDA)-2 was installed onto Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2, at the forward end of the space station's ...
  31. [31]
    SpaceX Dragon en Route to Space Station with NASA Science, Cargo
    Jul 25, 2019 · IDA-3 and IDA-2, which was installed in the summer of 2016, provide a new standardized and automated docking system for future spacecraft, ...
  32. [32]
    Dragon Installed to Station's Harmony Module for Cargo Operations
    Jul 27, 2019 · IDA-3 and IDA-2, which was installed in the summer of 2016, provide a new standardized and automated docking system for future spacecraft, ...
  33. [33]
    NASA Updates Broadcast of Next Space Station Resupply Launch ...
    Jul 20, 2019 · The next launch opportunity will be at 6:01 p.m. EDT Thursday, July 25. Launch coverage will begin at 5:45 p.m. on NASA Television and the ...
  34. [34]
    Robotics Work Prepping Docking Port Ahead of Wednesday's ...
    Aug 19, 2019 · Ground controllers will remotely position the IDA-3 on top of the Harmony module where it will soon become a permanent part of the orbiting lab.<|control11|><|separator|>
  35. [35]
    Spacewalkers Installing New Commercial Docking Port Wednesday
    Aug 20, 2019 · A new commercial crew docking port is in position on the International Space Station ready for installation during Wednesday's spacewalk.
  36. [36]
    Astronaut Andrew Morgan Performs His First Spacewalk - NASA
    Aug 27, 2019 · On Wednesday, Aug. 21, Morgan and fellow astronaut Nick Hague installed the IDA-3 to Pressurized Mating Adapter-3 on the space-facing side of ...Missing: robotic | Show results with:robotic
  37. [37]
    SpaceX Crew Dragon Successfully Docks to Station - NASA
    Mar 3, 2019 · SpaceX Crew Dragon Successfully Docks to Station. The SpaceX Crew Dragon is docked to the station's international docking adapter which is ...
  38. [38]
    Boeing's Crew Flight Test on Starliner Docks to Station - NASA
    Jun 6, 2024 · NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, successfully docked to the International Space Station at 1:34 pm EDT.
  39. [39]
    Starliner makes first docking with ISS on OFT-2 mission
    May 20, 2022 · A day into its OFT-2 mission, Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft arrived at the International Space Station for the first time.
  40. [40]
    Commercial Crew Program - NASA
    Browse through quick links for current and upcoming missions, view NASA's launch schedule, access archived content, and more.Learn More about Commercial... · SpaceX Crew-10 · Meet Our Team · Essentials
  41. [41]
    SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule successfully docks to the ISS for the ...
    Mar 3, 2019 · As the Crew Dragon approached the station on Sunday, it then used a series of lasers, sensors, and software to automatically dock this hardware ...
  42. [42]
    Soon on NASA+: SpaceX Crew-10 Making Their Way to Station
    Mar 15, 2025 · When the hatches open at about one hour and 45 minutes after docking, Crew-10 will join the Expedition 72 crew of NASA astronauts Nick Hague ...
  43. [43]
    Boeing's Starliner Docks to Station for Cargo and Test Ops - NASA
    May 20, 2022 · Starliner's hatch opening is scheduled to begin at approximately 11:45 a.m. Saturday, May 21. Coverage of hatch opening will air live on NASA ...
  44. [44]
    NASA, Boeing Complete Starliner Uncrewed Flight Test to Space ...
    May 25, 2022 · The flight test began Thursday, May 19, when Starliner launched on the ULA Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space ...
  45. [45]
    Design, development and qualification of a european international ...
    Sep 20, 2025 · This paper presents the International Berthing and Docking Mechanism (IBDM), a European low impact docking system that is capable of docking and ...
  46. [46]
    Docking and berthing of spacecraft - Wikipedia
    The adapter is compatible with the International Docking System Standard ... ^ "QinetiQ Space Wins ESA Contract for International Berthing Docking Mechanism".Missing: successor | Show results with:successor