While the International Space Station (ISS) is indeed moving at a high velocity of approximately 17,500 miles per hour (28,000 kilometers per hour), it is important to understand that its speed is relative to the Earth's surface rather than to an external frame of reference in space.
When astronauts travel to and from the ISS, they use specialized spacecraft, such as the Russian Soyuz or the SpaceX Crew Dragon. These spacecraft are designed to rendezvous and dock with the ISS in a controlled manner. The process involves careful calculations and orbital maneuvers to match the spacecraft's velocity and trajectory with that of the space station.
To board the ISS, the spacecraft approaches the station and aligns itself with the docking port. The spacecraft's relative velocity is carefully adjusted so that it matches the velocity of the ISS. Once the two are in sync, the spacecraft moves closer and docks with the station. The docking mechanisms ensure a secure connection between the spacecraft and the ISS, allowing astronauts to transfer between the two.
While the speed of the ISS may seem high, the relative velocity between the spacecraft and the station is minimized during the docking process, making it possible for astronauts to board and exit the ISS safely.