Escape velocity is the minimum speed an object must reach to break free from the gravitational pull of a celestial body, such as a planet or moon. For Earth, this speed is approximately 11.2 kilometers per second (about 25,000 miles per hour). If an object reaches this speed, it can overcome gravity without any additional propulsion. This concept is crucial in space exploration, as it determines how spacecraft, like those used in missions to Mars or the Moon, are designed. Understanding escape velocity helps engineers calculate the energy needed for launches and ensures that spacecraft can successfully enter orbit or travel to other celestial bodies.