Velocity of Escape

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Velocity of Escape

</dt>
The initial speed an object, particularly a molecule of gas, must have at the surface of a celestial body to overcome the gravitational pull and proceed out into space without returning to the celestial body. Also called escape velocity, escape speed. </dd>
The velocity of escape determines a body's ability to retain an atmosphere. The velocity of escape on the surface of the earth is nearly 7 miles per second, neglecting air resistance. </dd>

References

This article is based on NASA's Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use