Editing International Space Station (section)

==== Docking and berthing of spacecraft ====
{{See also|Docking and berthing of spacecraft}}
[[File:Progress M-14M.jpg|thumb|The [[Progress M-14M]] resupply vehicle approaching the ISS in 2012. More than 50 unpiloted [[Progress (spacecraft)|Progress]] spacecraft have delivered supplies during the lifetime of the station.]]
The Russian spacecraft and can autonomously rendezvous and dock with the station without human intervention. Once within approximately {{Convert|200|km}}, the spacecraft begins receiving radio signals from the [[Kurs (docking navigation system)|Kurs docking navigation system]] on the station. As the spacecraft nears the station, laser-based optical equipment precisely aligns the craft with the docking port and controls the final approach. While the crew on the ISS and spacecraft monitor the procedure, their role is primarily supervisory, with intervention limited to issuing abort commands in emergencies. Although initial development costs were substantial, the system's reliability and standardized components have yielded significant cost reductions for subsequent missions.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Woffinden|first1=David C.|last2=Geller|first2=David K.|date=July 2007|title=Navigating the Road to Autonomous Orbital Rendezvous|journal=Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets|volume=44|issue=4|pages=898–909|bibcode=2007JSpRo..44..898W|doi=10.2514/1.30734}}</ref>

The American [[SpaceX Dragon 2]] cargo and crewed spacecraft can autonomously rendezvous and dock with the station without human intervention. However, on crewed Dragon missions, the astronauts have the capability to intervene and fly the vehicle manually.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Burghardt|first=Thomas|date=3 March 2019|title=Crew Dragon successfully conducts debut docking with the ISS|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/03/crew-dragon-first-docking-iss-dm1/|access-date=7 August 2024|website=NASASpaceFlight.com}}</ref>

[[File:ISS-36 HTV-4 berthing 2.jpg|thumb|Japan's [[Kounotori 4]] berthing]]
Other [[automated cargo spacecraft]] typically use a semi-automated process when arriving and departing from the station. These spacecraft are instructed to approach and park near the station. Once the crew on board the station is ready, the spacecraft is commanded to come close to the station, so that it can be grappled by an astronaut using the [[Mobile Servicing System]] robotic arm. The final mating of the spacecraft to the station is achieved using the robotic arm (a process known as berthing). Spacecraft using this semi-automated process include the American [[Cygnus (spacecraft)|Cygnus]] and the Japanese [[HTV-X]]. The now-retired American [[SpaceX Dragon 1]], European [[Automated Transfer Vehicle|ATV]] and Japanese [[H-II Transfer Vehicle|HTV]] also used this process.