Kármán line
Conventional definition of the edge of space / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Kármán line (or von Kármán line /vɒn ˈkɑːrmɑːn/)[2] is a conventional definition of the edge of space. It is not universally accepted. The international record-keeping body FAI (Fédération aéronautique internationale) defines the Kármán line at an altitude of 100 kilometres (54 nautical miles; 62 miles; 330,000 feet) above mean sea level.
While named after Theodore von Kármán, who calculated a theoretical limit of altitude for airplane flight at 83.8 km (52.1 mi) above Earth, the later established Kármán line is more general and has no distinct physical significance, in that there is a rather gradual difference between the characteristics of the atmosphere at the line, and experts disagreeing on defining a distinct boundary where the atmosphere ends and space begins. It lies well above the altitude reachable by conventional airplanes or high-altitude balloons, and is approximately where satellites, even on very eccentric trajectories, will decay before completing a single orbit.
The Kármán line is mainly used for legal and regulatory purposes of differentiating between aircraft and spacecraft, which are then subject to different jurisdictions and legislations. While International law does not define the edge of space, or the limit of national airspace,[3][4] most international organizations and regulatory agencies (including the United Nations) accept the FAI's Kármán line definition or something close to it.[5] As defined by the FAI, the Kármán line was established in the 1960s.[6] Various countries and entities define space's boundary differently for various purposes.[7][3][8]