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Q:

What is the speed required to launch an object into space?

A:

The speed required for an object to go into space and orbit the Earth (orbital velocity) is about 28,000 km/hr (17,500 mph) at low earth orbit. At this speed the object will be able to go into space and maintain a constant orbit around the Earth at an altitude of around 325 km (200 km). However, if an object wants to leave the Earth’s orbit and go into deep space, it needs to reach escape velocity. Escape velocity is about 40,000 km/hr (25,000 mph).

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