second cosmic velocity
"Second cosmic velocity" is a term used in astrophysics to describe the speed necessary for an object to break free from a celestial body's gravitational influence.
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Definition
C2Astrophysics
(technical)The minimum speed needed for an object to escape the gravitational field of a celestial body without further propulsion.
Example
- To leave Earth's gravitational field, a spacecraft must reach the second cosmic velocity of approximately 11.2 km/s.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "second cosmic velocity":
first cosmic velocitythird cosmic velocityescape velocityradial velocityinformation velocitycosmic gravitational-wave background