Interactive simulation

Escape Velocity Simulator

Gravity · orbital energy · launch speed · escape velocity

Learning outcomeCompare circular-orbit and escape speeds for different planets and altitudes.

Interactive model

WorldEarthAltitude400 kmLaunch speed11.20 km/s

Launch speed11.2 km/s

Escape speed10.9 km/s

Circular speed7.7 km/s

Flight resultEscape trajectory

What’s happening

High launch speed: 11.2 km/s reaches or exceeds escape speed (10.9 km/s), so the path opens outward and the spacecraft will not return in this two-body model.

vₑ = √(2μ/r) · vₒ = √(μ/r)