All LTS spacecraft use an autonomous rendezvous and docking system, several of which are currently in development.  Autonomous rendezvous and docking will be required to transfer lunar payloads from Payload Dispensers to Lunar Landers in LEO, to transfer cryogenic propellant tanks from Propellant Transporters to Lunar Landers in MEO, at L1, and in lunar orbit, and to replenish propellant tanks from Propellent Dispensers to Propellant Transporters and Lunar Landers in LEO.

A good example of a current automatic rendezvous and docking system is the new EADS Sodern Videometer, that is being developed for the ESA Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV). This new-technology device ensures very precise automatic rendezvous and docking operations. Based on the design of a star tracker, the videometer is the first automatic optical system ever used for spacecraft navigation. For the final rendezvous maneuvers, the spacecraft use their videometer sensors, combined with additional parallel measurement systems, which allow automatic docking with centimeter precision.

The videometer system is able to analyze images of its emitted laser beam automatically reflected by passive retro reflectors serving as targets installed on receiving LTS spacecraft. During the last 200 meters of the final approach maneuver, the videometer automatically recognizes the retro reflector target patterns and then calculates the distance and direction to the docking port. This precise tracking of the relative motion between the two spacecraft as they get closer provides information to the on-board Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) system, which automatically pilots the two spacecraft together.

An LTS spacecraft docking system is currently in conceptual design.