How Fast Is Lunar Orbital Velocity?

Spacecraft orbiting the Moon must travel at 1,700 m/s — Mach 5. The Moon's gravity is just one-sixth of Earth's, so orbital velocity is correspondingly lower than the 7.8 km/s required around Earth itself.

Lunar orbital velocity is just one-fifth of what's needed around Earth — because the Moon's gravity is one-sixth as strong.

• One-fifth of Earth orbital velocity
• Mach 5 around the Moon