If a body of mass \(m\) has to be taken from the surface of earth to a height \(h = R\), then the amount of energy required is (\(R\): radius of earth)
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For heights comparable to the Earth's radius, do not use \(mgh\). Instead, use the general formula: \(\Delta U = \frac{mgh}{1 + \frac{h}{R}}\).
Substituting \(h = R\) gives \(\Delta U = \frac{mgR}{1 + 1} = \frac{mgR}{2}\).