02 03
04
05
06
A P P R O A C H E L L I P S O I D
K E E P O U T S P H E R E
TH
RU
ST
ER
BU
RN
TH
RU
ST
ER
BU
RN
04
02
TH
RU
ST
ER
BU
RN
TH
RU
ST
ER
BU
RN
03
01
03
04
05
06
F I N A L C O E L L I P T I C
K E E P O U T S P H E R E
01. LIFTOFF 02. ORBIT ACTIVATION 03. PHASING BURNS 04. APPROACH INITIATION 05. PROXIMITY OPERATION 06. DOCKING & PRESSURIZATION
Falcon 9’s first stage lofts Dragon to orbit. Falcon 9’s first and stage second separate. Second stage accelerates Dragon to orbital velocity.
Dragon separates from Falcon 9’s second stage and performs initial orbit activation and checkouts of propulsion, life support, and thermal control systems.
Dragon performs delta-velocity orbit raising maneuvers to catch up with the International Space Station.
Dragon establishes a communication link with the Space Station and performs its final orbit raising delta-velocity burn.
Dragon establishes relative navigation to the Space Station and arrives along the docking axis, initiating an autonomous approach.
Dragon performs final approach and docks with the Space Station, followed by pressurization, hatch open, and crew ingress.
