Step 1: Use the escape velocity formula.
The energy required for escape is given by the gravitational potential energy required to move the body from the surface to infinity:
\[
E = \frac{GMm}{R}
\]
where,
\( G = 6.67 \times 10^{-11} \, \text{N m}^2 \text{kg}^{-2} \),
\( M = 5.98 \times 10^{24} \, \text{kg} \), \( m = 500 \, \text{kg} \),
and \( R = 6.4 \times 10^6 \, \text{m} \).
Step 2: Substitute values.
Substitute the known values into the formula:
\[
E = \frac{6.67 \times 10^{-11} \times 5.98 \times 10^{24} \times 500}{6.4 \times 10^6}
\]
\[
E \approx 3.1 \times 10^{10} \, \text{J}
\]
Step 3: Conclusion.
The required energy is approximately \( 3.1 \times 10^{10} \, \text{J} \), which is option (3).