Mechanics
Escape velocity from orbital speed
Escape velocity is the square root of two times the circular orbital speed at the same radius.
The Formula
v escape = sqrt(2) x v orbital
Escape velocity is the square root of two times the circular orbital speed at the same radius.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| v escape | Escape velocity | metres per second | The speed to escape entirely. |
| v orbital | Orbital speed | metres per second | Speed for a circular orbit at that radius. |
What Each Symbol Means
v escapemetres per second
Escape velocity
The speed to escape entirely.
v orbitalmetres per second
Orbital speed
Speed for a circular orbit at that radius.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate an escape velocity page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate An Escape Velocity, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.