Escape Velocity

The escape velocity is the theoretical speed an object needs to reach in order to break free from the gravitational tug of a planet or star. This speed is independent of the size of the object.


Vesc = √(2GM/R)
  • Vesc is the escape velocity
  • G is the Gravitational constant (6.67x10-11  N·(m/kg)2 )
  • M is the mass of the planet or star
  • R is the radius of the planet or star
For Earth, the escape velocity is about 11 km/sec

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