rendezvous

In spaceflight, a rendezvous is the process of bringing two spacecraft together, while docking is their subsequent physical joining. This typically involves matching orbital trajectories so the spacecraft are in close proximity, ideally within 100 meters and in the same orbital plane.1

To achieve rendezvous, a second spacecraft is launched to meet one already in orbit. The second craft is launched to achieve a coplanar orbit just below the first. Traveling faster at a lower altitude, it overtakes the first. By firing thrusters, it rises to match the first craft's altitude and velocity. Radar systems and onboard computers are crucial for these maneuvers.1

Rendezvous and docking are essential for assembling large structures like the International Space Station and for crew rotations or rescue missions. Historically, Gemini 6 and 7 were the first to perform a rendezvous, and missions like Apollo, Soyuz, and the Space Shuttle have routinely used these techniques.1