Difference between revisions of "Payload"
From Kerbal Space Program Wiki
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| + | [[File:Z-MAP_launch_pad.png|thumb|upright|The top part is usually defined as payload]] | ||
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A '''payload''' refers to the fraction of mass considered as cargo in relation to the overall mass of a vehicle. For the term to make sense, the cargo has to be delivered from an origin to a destination. In spaceflight, origin and destination can be reference systems such as [[orbit]]s, landing sites on [[celestial body|celestial bodies]], or the [[Kerbal Space Center]]. | A '''payload''' refers to the fraction of mass considered as cargo in relation to the overall mass of a vehicle. For the term to make sense, the cargo has to be delivered from an origin to a destination. In spaceflight, origin and destination can be reference systems such as [[orbit]]s, landing sites on [[celestial body|celestial bodies]], or the [[Kerbal Space Center]]. | ||
| − | Since the term cargo can comprise absolutely everything (including rockets), and even | + | Since the term cargo can comprise absolutely everything (including rockets), and even [[Kerbal]]s (typical payload) have their own means of propulsion, the distinction between cargo and vehicle can be problematic. As all [[Stock craft|stock]] [[rocket]]s except three haven't any engines, which are powerful enough, they can be described as payloads. |
[[Category:Craft]] | [[Category:Craft]] | ||
Revision as of 17:48, 1 September 2013
A payload refers to the fraction of mass considered as cargo in relation to the overall mass of a vehicle. For the term to make sense, the cargo has to be delivered from an origin to a destination. In spaceflight, origin and destination can be reference systems such as orbits, landing sites on celestial bodies, or the Kerbal Space Center.
Since the term cargo can comprise absolutely everything (including rockets), and even Kerbals (typical payload) have their own means of propulsion, the distinction between cargo and vehicle can be problematic. As all stock rockets except three haven't any engines, which are powerful enough, they can be described as payloads.
