Skip to main content
Try the DemoSign InSign Up
← Back to Glossary
Definition

Escape Velocity

The minimum speed needed for an object to break free of a gravitational body's influence without further propulsion. From Earth's surface, ~11.2 km/s.

Escape velocity calculator →

Related terms

Eclipse

The period during an orbit when the spacecraft is in the shadow of the central body and cannot generate solar power. Ecl...

End of LifeEOL

The planned end of a spacecraft's operational mission. EOL power and thermal analysis accounts for degradation of solar ...

Eccentricity

A dimensionless orbital element describing how much an orbit deviates from a perfect circle. Values range from 0 (circul...

Beta Angle

The angle between the orbital plane and the Sun vector. Determines the fraction of an orbit spent in eclipse and drives ...

See this concept in action

SMAD Portal implements mission engineering concepts as interactive tools.

Start Your PilotSee Features