How long does it take to travel out of Earth?

Escape Velocity and the Journey Beyond Earth

Breaking free from Earth’s gravitational pull is a remarkable feat, requiring immense speed and powerful propulsion systems. Modern rockets are marvels of engineering, capable of propelling us into space with astonishing rapidity.

Ascending to the Threshold of Space

The boundary of space, known as the Kármán line, is approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) above the Earth’s surface. To reach this celestial threshold, rockets must overcome the pull of gravity and attain a velocity of 27,432 kilometers per hour (17,045 miles per hour). This remarkable speed, known as escape velocity, allows rockets to escape the gravitational clutches of our planet.

Launch to the Kármán Line

Modern rockets, such as the SpaceX Falcon 9, are equipped with powerful engines that accelerate them rapidly after liftoff. The initial ascent takes approximately 3-4 minutes, during which the rocket consumes a vast amount of fuel to generate the necessary thrust.

Orbiting at Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

Once a rocket has reached the Kármán line, it must continue to accelerate to achieve a stable orbit. The desired orbital altitude, known as Low Earth Orbit (LEO), is typically around 200 kilometers (124 miles) above Earth’s surface. To reach LEO, the rocket must increase its speed to 28,800 kilometers per hour (17,900 miles per hour). This additional acceleration usually takes another 5-7 minutes of ascent, bringing the total ascension time to approximately 8-11 minutes.

Beyond LEO

While LEO is a popular destination for spacecraft, it is not the only realm that rockets can explore. With more powerful engines and longer ascent times, rockets can venture into higher orbits and even escape Earth’s gravitational field altogether. Interplanetary missions, such as those to Mars or Jupiter, require rockets to achieve far greater speeds and endure extended journeys through deep space.