How Fast Must a Spacecraft Go ?

Introduction
A spacecraft leaving the surface of earth needs to move at an incredible speed of over 40,000 kilometers per hour. The spacecraft is required to attain such great speed in order to break free of earths gravitational force. this speed is the earth's escape velocity, the minimum speed that and interplanetary spacecraft needs to escape the influence of earth's gravitational pull. The spacecraft requires abundant fuel to break through earth's gravitation.

Spacecraft Takeoff

Escape Velocity
Escape velocity depends upon the mass of the planet and the distance from the center of the planet to the space vehicle.

Calculation
The escape velocity of earth can be calculated using earth's mass, its radius and Newton's gravitational constant G.

Biggest Challenge
Achieving escape velocity is the biggest challenge that scientists face while launching a spacecraft.

Current Research
Scientists are working to create lighter space craft, more efficient fuels and new methods of propulsion, so that spacecraft do not face much difficulty in attaining great speeds.