Convert Kilometer/Minute (km/min) to Cosmic Velocity - First (v₁) instantly.
About these units
Kilometer/Minute (km/min)
A kilometer per minute corresponds to 60 km/h per unit, making it a useful measure for high-speed trains, rockets, and conceptual velocity comparisons. It is too fast for normal transportation but too slow for astrophysical use, placing it in a niche area: intermediate high-speed phenomena. Engineers may use km/min to quickly estimate travel times or evaluate rapid mechanical processes. It offers a convenient stepping stone between km/h and km/s.
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.