[GingisK]

This is not something new. Apollo was given just enough velocity to pass through the gravitational null between the Earth and the moon. Then it fell to the moon. Same for return trip.

It was called a "Low energy free-return trajectory". If the engines failed to ignite for lunar insertion, it would return to earth after slowly creeping back through the null point.

[GingisK]

Hey, RB, The Ruskies were the first to use that in 1959 on their Luna 3 flight.

[markman46]

thanks for that