Kurs (docking navigation system)

The Progress vehicle docking to the Pirs module using the Kurs-A docking system

Kurs (Russian: Курс, lit. 'Course') is an automated system for docking spacecraft used by the Soviet and later the Russian space program. The system is primarily used by Progress cargo spacecraft, Soyuz spacecraft and to dock new modules to the Russian Orbital Segment of the International Space Station. The radio-based control system was developed by the Research Institute of Precision Instruments in Moscow before 1985 and initially manufactured by the Kiev Radio Factory. Kurs is now manufactured in Russia.