Proximity operations
Manual close-approach flying tested on Artemis II for future docking.
Last refreshed: 3 April 2026
Can Orion dock in deep space without automation?
Latest on Proximity operations
- How close did the Artemis crew fly to the upper stage?
- About 10 metres, in a 70-minute manual demonstration.Source: Lowdown briefing coverage
- Can Orion dock with another spacecraft?
- The proximity ops demo validated manual approach capability needed for future Starship docking in lunar orbit.Source: Lowdown briefing coverage
- Has anyone ever docked in deep space before?
- Apollo missions docked command and lunar modules, but Artemis II is the first with modern Orion.Source: NASA mission records
Background
The Artemis II crew completed a 70-minute manual proximity operations demonstration, guiding Orion to within approximately 10 metres of the detached Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage upper stage. This validated the manual docking capability needed for future deep-space rendezvous.
Proximity operations (prox ops) is the discipline of manoeuvring one spacecraft close to another for docking, inspection, or servicing. It is routine on the ISS but has never been demonstrated in deep space with a crew aboard. Orion lacks an autonomous docking system; the crew must fly the approach manually using camera views and range data.
The demonstration is a prerequisite for Artemis III and IV, which require Orion to dock with SpaceX's Starship lander in lunar orbit. A failure here would have forced NASA to develop automated proximity systems before any landing attempt, adding years and cost to the programme.