How Fast Is Galactic Escape Velocity?

Galactic escape velocity is 550 km/s — the speed needed to leave the Milky Way's gravitational influence forever. Voyager 1 isn't moving anywhere near fast enough; it remains gravitationally bound to our galaxy.

Some 'hypervelocity' stars do exceed galactic escape velocity — typically flung outward by close encounters with the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way's centre.

• 10× Voyager 1 speed
• Speed needed to leave the Milky Way