escape velocity The velocity required for atoms or molecules at high altitude to escape from a planet's gravitational field. For example:

escape velocity Minimum velocity required to free a body from the gravitational field of a celestial body or stellar system. Escape velocities are: for the Earth, 11.2km/sec (7mi/s); and for the Moon, 2.4km/sec (1.5mi/s). They can be calculated from the formula: v = (2G M/R)^1/2 where G is the gravitational constant, M the mass of the planet or system, and R the distance of the rocket from the centre of mass of the system.

Escape Velocity ★★ 1999 (R)

Scientists Cal (Bergin), Billie (Crewson) and their daughter Ronnie (Beaudoin) are on a deep space project when they discover a seemingly abandoned space ship. They find one crewman, Nash (Outerbridge), in suspended animation and make the mistake of bringing him out of his deep sleep. Of course, he turns out to be a psychotic. 100m/C VHS, DVD . Patrick Bergin, Wendy Crewson, Peter Outerbridge, Michelle Beaudoin; D: Lloyd A. Simandl; M: Peter Allen. VIDEO

es·cape ve·loc·i·ty • n. the lowest velocity that a body must have in order to escape the gravitational attraction of a particular planet or other object.