Cosmic Velocity - First to Meter per Minute

The first cosmic velocity (escape velocity from Earth's surface to orbit) is approximately 7,900 m/s (7.9 km/s), the minimum speed needed to achieve Earth orbit.

v₁ = √(GM/r) where G is gravitational constant, M is Earth's mass, r is Earth's radius. Approximately 7.9 km/s.

To km/h: × 3,600. To mph: × 17,672. 7.9 km/s = 28,440 km/h = 17,672 mph.

Minimum speed for satellites, space station orbit, and low Earth orbit (LEO) calculations.

ISS orbits at ~7.66 km/s. Below this speed, you fall back to Earth. Above it, you stay in orbit (if horizontal).

Confusing with escape velocity (second cosmic velocity, 11.2 km/s) — orbital velocity is lower.

Remember: ~8 km/s for orbit, ~11 km/s to escape. v₁ is minimum for orbit, not escape.

Meter per minute measures the distance in meters traveled in one minute. It's useful for walking speeds, slow vehicle movements, and industrial processes.

1 m/min = 1/60 m/s = 0.0167 m/s = 0.06 km/h. There are 60 seconds in a minute.

To m/s: ÷ 60. To km/h: × 0.06. To ft/min: × 3.281.

Walking pace (70–90 m/min), escalator speed (30–40 m/min), treadmill settings, slow conveyor belts, and some marine biology (fish swimming).

Comfortable walking: 80 m/min (4.8 km/h). Fast walking: 100+ m/min. Escalator: 35 m/min. Slow jog: 150 m/min.

Confusing m/min with km/h — 60 m/min = 3.6 km/h, not 60 km/h. Mixing up m/min with ft/min.

60 m/min = 1 m/s. Quick conversion: m/min ÷ 60 = m/s. Good for walking/jogging pace calculations.