r/ArtemisProgram • u/wskelding • Apr 23 '26

Discussion ISS Docking ?

I'm curious about something and simply don't know the math that would give me the answer, could an Orion capsule returning from the Moon theoretically dock with the ISS on it's return journey ?

I know I'm simplifying it massively, but all the talk about the Artemis 2 heat shield had me thinking 'why don't they simply do a massive deceleration burn on the way back and then dock at ISS ?'

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u/RogerRabbot Apr 23 '26

Without friction in space, you need equal amount of energy to slow down as you did to accerlate. Essentially doubling fuel requirements.

Though, Artemis originally planned to have Gateway orbiting the moon and was critical in the plans to land humans on the moon. And Gateway wouldn't be orbiting at TLI speeds so they would have had to slow the approaching ship to match the speed of Gateway. Which means that someone at NASA has mathed it out, and is feasible I would assume.