Originally Posted by
ATNotts_2
As a very non-scientific layman could someone explain why that would be?
I understand, I think, that the velocity would be higher because the capsule was being pulled in from outside low earth orbit, please correct me if I'm wrong. What I'm don't understand is why the craft isn't brought back into low earth orbit to slow it down to a similar speed to that which a Soyuz or Boeing capsule would re-enter the atmosphere on return from the ICC. If it were possible would there be any technical benefit in doing so?
To enter LEO would require an orbital insertion burn; Which would require quite a lot of fuel; Which you would have to have hauled all the way to the Moon; Which would have required a great deal more fuel.
It would be technically possible, but hugely expensive.
It's a LOT cheaper to just use a heatshield, track, and capsule shape that can handle the higher reentry velocity.