Escape Velocity Launcher
Launch a rocket from a planet's surface and watch whether it orbits, escapes into space, or crashes back down. Explore how velocity and angle determine the fate of any launch.
7.90 km/s
0Orbital: 7.91 km/sEscape: 11.19 km/s15
0°
0° (horizontal)90° (vertical)
Orbital Mechanics Explained
Orbital Velocity
At 7.91 km/s horizontally, a projectile falls toward Earth at exactly the same rate Earth curves away. This creates a stable circular orbit. The ISS orbits at 7.66 km/s at 400 km altitude.
Escape Velocity
At 11.19 km/s, a projectile has enough kinetic energy to overcome Earth's gravity entirely. The formula is v = sqrt(2GM/R), where M is Earth's mass and R its radius.
Newton's Cannonball
Isaac Newton imagined a cannonball fired from a mountain so fast it kept missing Earth. Below orbital speed it lands. At orbital speed it orbits. Above escape speed it flies away forever.