*contextual relative to the object you're trying to escape.

you need more speed to escape from the gravity of the earth than the moon.

the escape velocity to exit the solar system is really, really high, because you're trying to escape the pull of the sun itself. to date i think we have only launched 4 probes that have achieved the solar system's escape velocity (pioneer 10/11, voyager 1/2). it's possible the new horizons craft has reached the escape velocity for the solar system, it's certainly truckin'.