Escape Velocity
Calculator
Results
- Escape velocity (m/s)
- 11,186.165197
- Escape velocity (km/s)
- 11.186165
- Escape velocity (km/h)
- 40,270.19471
Astronomy results
| Escape velocity (m/s) | 11,186.165197 |
| Escape velocity (km/s) | 11.186165 |
| Escape velocity (km/h) | 40,270.19471 |
formula-map diagram
- Escape velocity (m/s)
- 11,186.165197
- Escape velocity (km/s)
- 11.186165
- Escape velocity (km/h)
- 40,270.19471
Astronomical relationship
Formula
v_esc = √(2 G M / R)= 11186.165197346
Note
This result is a simplified model: it applies the displayed textbook formula to the values you entered, assuming ideal spherical bodies, circular orbits, blackbody radiation and perfect optics, and ignoring atmospheric seeing, relativistic corrections beyond those stated, cosmological models and measurement uncertainty. Use published ephemerides and catalogue data for real observations.
More in Astronomy and space
See all →Frequently asked questions
What does escape velocity actually mean?+
Escape velocity is the minimum speed an object needs, fired straight up with no further propulsion, to break free of a body's gravity permanently and never fall back. Below that speed, without additional thrust, the object eventually falls back or settles into orbit.
What inputs does the escape velocity formula need?+
It needs the mass of the celestial body and the distance from its center to the launch point (usually its radius). The formula is v = √(2GM/r), where G is the gravitational constant.
Does the mass of the escaping object matter?+
No — escape velocity is independent of the escaping object's own mass. A pebble and a spacecraft launched from the same point need exactly the same speed to escape.
Why is Earth's escape velocity about 11.2 km/s while the Moon's is only 2.4 km/s?+
Escape velocity grows with the parent body's mass and shrinks with its radius. Earth is far more massive than the Moon, so despite its larger radius partially offsetting that, Earth's escape velocity ends up nearly five times higher.
Is escape velocity the speed a rocket must maintain the whole way to orbit?+
No, that's a common misconception. Escape velocity applies to an unpowered projectile; a rocket with continuous thrust can escape at any speed, even very slowly, as long as its engines keep working against gravity.