3 ms·
Sure, just reach escape velocity (well, in the right direction). It's higher than orbital velocity, obviously. To escape the solar system you'll need a bit more
by kabdib 9y ago
Sure, just reach escape velocity (well, in the right direction). It's higher than orbital velocity, obviously. To escape the solar system you'll need a bit more velocity on top of that.
We do this all the time with probes to other parts of the solar system. Manned missions (Apollo) used a small number of earth orbits before doing the burn to get to the moon primarily to ensure that systems checked out before making the bigger step.
- isostatic 9y agoEscape velocity will work in any direction (assuming no wind resistance) Unless you hit the ground, or a mountain, or a plane, or the moon, etc.
- kabdib 9y agoHitting the ground was exactly what I was trying to get across. Otherwise, discounting pesky atmospheric drag, your vector doesn't matter.