Payload (air and Space Craft)

Payload (air And Space Craft)

In military aircraft or space exploration, the payload is the carrying capacity of an aircraft or space ship, including cargo, munitions, scientific instruments or experiments. External fuel, when optionally carried, is also considered part of the payload.

The fraction of payload to the total liftoff weight of the air or spacecraft is known as the "payload fraction". When the weight of the payload and fuel are considered together, it is known as the "useful load fraction". In spacecraft, "mass fraction" is normally used, which is the ratio of payload to everything else, including the rocket structure.