Docking is the process of bringing a spacecraft or other vehicle into contact with another object, often a space station or ship. Docking usually refers to the joining of two spacecraft, but can also refer to the connection of a spacecraft to its launch vehicle. Space stations and other large structures are often called "docks" because they provide a place for spacecraft to dock. Repairs are needed when something breaks on the vessel. It could be anything from a broken window to a malfunctioning thruster. Repairs can be as simple as replacing a lightbulb or as complex as repairing the engine room.

Dry dock repairs are typically used to maintain and repair a vessel's hull, propellers, and underwater fittings. Repairs may also be made to the ship's superstructure, electrical systems, or plumbing. The term "dry dock" comes from the fact that these repairs are often performed while the ship is out of the water. This allows for easy access to all of the vessel's parts that need attention. There are two main types of dry docks: floating and graving. A floating dry dock is a large raft-like structure that can be flooded with water to lift a vessel out of the water for repairs.