Cosmic Velocity - First to Yard 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.

Yard per minute measures distance in yards traveled in one minute.

1 yd/min = 0.01524 m/s = 0.05486 km/h = 0.9144 m/min.

To yd/s: ÷ 60. To ft/min: × 3. To m/min: × 0.9144.

American football player speeds (50–120 yd/min), slow boat speeds, and some industrial processes.

NFL running back: 100–120 yd/min sprint. Average walking: 50 yd/min.

Confusing with yd/s (60× faster) or mph.

~30 yd/min = 1 mph. Used occasionally in American sports contexts.