Let's consider a few possibilities.
1. The lowest velocity of the paratrooper would be just before hitting the ground.
2. Given that the jump originated from a relatively short height, the paratrooper utilized a static line, allowing the parachute to deploy almost instantly after leaping.
Hence, we will convert 100 mi/h to ft/s:
100 mi/h * 5280 ft/mi / 3600 s/h = 146.67 ft/sec.
Based on the first assumption, the maximum distance fallen by the paratrooper would equate to 8 seconds at 146.67 ft/s, translating to
8 s * 146.67 ft/s = 1173.36 ft.
This calculated distance is nearly on par with the jump height, validating both assumptions 1 and 2. Thus, this scenario seems plausible.
Moreover, considering the terminal velocity for a parachutist in a freefall position with limbs spread out typically reaches 120 mi/h, which is slightly above the 100 mi/h mentioned in the article. This as well aligns with the notion of the parachute acting like a flag, adding some air resistance.
The astronaut's speed is described in the sentence. The astronaut moves at a rate of 10 meters each minute. To clarify: speed is defined as distance divided by time and is characterized solely by its magnitude, not its direction. Hence, the 10 meters per minute reflects this. We lack information about the astronaut's directional movement. In contrast to speed, velocity incorporates direction as well; for instance, a velocity of 10m/s due west provides a directional context. Consequently, without specified direction, the value indicated is merely speed.
