A system and method for docking an airship to a mooring mast includes a thruster that is mounted to the fore end of the airship. When activated, the thruster generates a thrust vector that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the airship and is selectively directional. In particular, the configuration of the thruster can be changed to vary the direction of the thrust vector around the longitudinal axis to maneuver a connector on the thruster into contact with the mooring mast. Engagement of the connector to the mooring mast then docks the airship to the mooring mast.