Convert Cosmic Velocity - First (v₁) to Foot/Minute (ft/min) instantly.
About these units
Cosmic Velocity - First (v₁)
The first cosmic velocity is the minimum horizontal speed an object must achieve to enter a stable orbit around a planetary body without additional propulsion. For Earth, this value is about 7.9 km/s. At this speed, an object's forward motion precisely balances with the gravitational pull downward, creating continuous free-fall—the essence of orbital motion. This velocity is foundational in orbital mechanics. Spacecraft reaching Low Earth Orbit (LEO) must achieve at least this horizontal speed, even if their vertical ascent profile varies. Understanding v₁ was essential in the early space age: it represented the threshold between atmospheric flight and true spaceflight, marking human entry into the orbital era.
Foot/Minute (ft/min)
A foot per minute is common in industrial engineering, HVAC air flow analysis, elevator design, and manufacturing processes. Ventilation rates in ducts are often reported in ft/min, making the unit crucial for designing safe and comfortable living spaces. In machining, ft/min corresponds to cutting speed along a tool edge, helping determine tool wear and material removal rates. Despite being less familiar in daily life, ft/min is a key engineering unit.