• Question: How long does it take to leave the earth's atmosphere and into space?

    Asked by to Nick, Jane, Iain, Chris, Anna on 18 Mar 2014. This question was also asked by .
    • Photo: Anna Middleton

      Anna Middleton answered on 18 Mar 2014:

      Hi tara
      I’m afraid I have no clue, but I’m sure there are astrophysicists on the site who would be able to answer you.

    • Photo: Nick Goldman

      Nick Goldman answered on 19 Mar 2014:

      Scientists generally say the atmosphere is about 100 kilometres thick. When the US space shuttles were launched, it took about 2.5 minutes (i.e. 150 seconds) to get that far.

      It takes maybe about 10 minutes for a rocket to get into space.

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