// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Terminal Velocity
The constant speed that a freely falling object eventually reaches when the resistance of the medium through which it is falling (like air) prevents further acceleration.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Terminal velocity is the maximum constant speed attained by an object falling through a fluid (e.g., atmosphere) when the downward gravitational force is balanced by the upward drag force, resulting in zero net acceleration, a critical factor in atmospheric re-entry and parachute design.
BACKGROUND
SpaceWorks Enterprises, Inc. (SEI) is an aerospace engineering company based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States that specializes in the design, assessment, hardware prototyping and flight demonstration of advanced space concepts for both government and commercial customers.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Limiting velocity
- maximum fall speed
- equilibrium speed
USAGE NOTE
Understanding terminal velocity is crucial for designing parachutes and re-entry capsules to ensure a safe landing speed.