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Escape Velocity Simulator

Compare circular-orbit and escape speeds for different planets and altitudes.

YOUR OBSERVATORY NOTEBOOK0 / 10plus Moon Landing & Orbital Rescue missions
Escape trajectory test
Drag to rotate · illustrative overview scale
Circular speed7.67 km/s
Escape speed10.85 km/s
Specific energy-26.87 km²/s²
Set conditions and launchAccelerated playback
CONTINUE YOUR EXPLORATION

All 12 space activities

01Moon LandingFlight simulator ↗02Orbital RescueFlight simulator ↗03Moon Phases 3D SimulatorOpen observatory ↗04Solar Eclipse 3D SimulatorOpen observatory ↗05Escape Velocity SimulatorOpen observatory ↗06Gravity Slingshot ChallengeOpen observatory ↗07Kepler's Laws Orbit SimulatorOpen observatory ↗08Earth Seasons & Tilt SimulatorOpen observatory ↗09Satellite Orbit BuilderOpen observatory ↗10Planet Size Comparison 3DOpen observatory ↗11Black Hole Orbit SimulatorOpen observatory ↗12Mars Landing ChallengeOpen observatory ↗
Free online escape velocity simulator

Escape Velocity Simulator: experiment guide

This browser-based interactive simulation helps you compare circular-orbit and escape speeds for different planets and altitudes. Designed for Grades 7–12, it turns an abstract idea into a model you can control, measure, reset, and test without signing up.

What you can investigate

Explore Gravity, orbital energy, launch speed, escape velocity by changing the available controls and comparing the model’s visual and numerical evidence. Try one variable at a time, then combine changes to test a stronger explanation.

Gravityorbital energylaunch speedescape velocity

How to use this simulation

  1. 1Read the mission and make a prediction before moving a control.
  2. 2Change one variable so its effect is easier to identify.
  3. 3Run the model and record a value, pattern, or visible change.
  4. 4Reset, test a different setup, and explain the result from evidence.

For students, teachers, and independent study

A typical investigation takes 6–12 min. Use it as a lesson demonstration, a guided inquiry activity, a homework experiment, or a quick review. The simulation runs in a modern web browser and does not require an account.

Level
Intermediate
Time
6–12 min
Format
Interactive simulation

Common questions

What does the Escape Velocity Simulator teach?

Compare circular-orbit and escape speeds for different planets and altitudes. The main ideas are Gravity, orbital energy, launch speed, escape velocity.

Is the Escape Velocity Simulator free to use?

Yes. You can run the simulation online for free without creating an account.

How long does the activity take?

Most learners can complete one investigation in 6–12 min. You can repeat it to compare more variables or improve your explanation.