Convert Mile/Second (mi/s) to Cosmic Velocity - Second (v₂) instantly.
About these units
Mile/Second (mi/s)
A mile per second is an extraordinarily fast speed—3,600 mph—far beyond any ground vehicle. This unit appears primarily in discussions of orbital mechanics, rocket propulsion, and reentry dynamics. Projectiles in theoretical physics or high-energy impact modeling may also be described in miles per second. The unit's infrequent use reflects its specialized nature, but its dramatic magnitude makes it compelling for illustrating the extremes of velocity attainable in space travel and astrophysics.
Cosmic Velocity - Second (v₂)
The second cosmic velocity is the escape velocity, the speed required to completely overcome a planet's gravitational attraction without further propulsion. For Earth, this speed is about 11.2 km/s. It is higher than v₁ because escaping gravity requires exceeding orbital balance entirely, not merely achieving stable free fall. Escape velocity underlies missions to the Moon, other planets, and deep space probes. Reaching v₂ allows spacecraft to travel along trajectories that leave Earth's gravitational well permanently unless acted on by external forces. This value symbolizes humanity's ability to break free from its home world—a critical milestone in exploration.