it accelerates materials to velocities well in excess of that required to escape Earth's gravity (as high as 22,000 miles per hour)
Quibble: escape speed is 25 000 mi/h near the earth's surface.
51 posted on 07/29/2005 4:06:07 PM PDT by Right Wing Assault
("..this administration is planning a 'Right Wing Assault' on values and ideals.." - John Kerry)