Convert Meter/Second (m/s) to Cosmic Velocity - Third (v₃) instantly.
About these units
Meter/Second (m/s)
The meter per second is the SI unit of speed, representing the distance traveled in meters over one second. It is the foundational unit for physics, engineering, and scientific measurement because it derives directly from SI definitions of distance and time. In physics, m/s appears everywhere: from the velocity of falling objects and planetary orbits to the propagation of waves and fluid flow. It is the preferred unit when describing speeds mathematically because it integrates cleanly with SI-based equations involving energy, force, and momentum. Although not commonly used in everyday life—where km/h or mph dominate—m/s is essential for precision. Weather forecasts, for example, often use m/s for wind speeds in scientific analyses even if the public version converts to more familiar units. The clarity and mathematical consistency of m/s make it indispensable in scientific communication.
Cosmic Velocity - Third (v₃)
The third cosmic velocity is the speed required to escape the entire Solar System from Earth's orbit, overcoming the gravitational pull of the Sun. This speed is approximately 16.7 km/s, though missions often achieve this gradually using gravitational assists rather than brute-force acceleration. Space probes such as Voyager 1, Voyager 2, and New Horizons have exceeded v₃, making them interstellar travelers. The third cosmic velocity represents the threshold where an object ceases to be bound to the Sun and begins drifting through the galaxy—one of the most profound expansions of human technological capability.