Speed Record
A speed record is an unofficial or official statistic of the highest velocity achieved by a vehicle, athlete, or natural phenomenon within a specific category or timeframe. These records serve as benchmarks for technological advancement and human performance.
Historical Context & Space Exploration
Speed records in vehicular history often intersect with engineering breakthroughs. Notable examples include lunar surface mobility milestones:
- Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV): Developed by NASA for the Apollo program, specifically Apollo 15, 16, and 17, to extend the range of Extravehicular Activities (EVA).
- Record Holder: Eugene Cernan set a lunar speed record of 17.9 km/h (11.2 mph) during the Apollo 17 mission.
- Engineering Significance: The LRV represented a critical engineering challenge involving lightweight materials, mobility in low-gravity environments, and communication systems. For detailed analysis of its construction and role, see Building NASA’s Lunar Roving Vehicle: Engineering for Apollo Moon Missions.
Key Metrics
- Land Speed Record: Currently held by the ThrustSSC (1,228 km/h).
- Airliner Speed: Mach numbers vary by aircraft model; commercial flights typically cruise around Mach 0.78–0.85.
- Human Speed: Usain Bolt’s top speed during his 9.58s 100m record was approximately 44.72 km/h (27.8 mph).
Related Concepts
- Vehicles
- Apollo Program
- Engineering Milestones
- Measurement Units