Comment by nilkn

Escape velocity is actually only necessary for launching ballistic objects such that they will never return to the surface of the planet over an infinite amount of time (assuming no other interactions occur). It's not necessary when you have a method of providing continual propulsion and acceleration. Speed is mostly irrelevant if you can provide propulsion indefinitely. Escape velocity is an important concept because, realistically, you can't actually do that or it's extremely cost inefficient to attempt to do so.