📘 Definition
Payload capacity is the maximum mass a launch vehicle can place into a specified orbit, and it varies significantly by target orbit. Higher orbits require more delta-v, leaving less mass budget for the payload. A rocket's capacity to LEO is always its highest figure. Reusable configurations (like Falcon 9 with booster landing) reduce capacity by 30–40% compared to expendable mode because fuel is reserved for recovery burns. Payload capacity is the primary metric for comparing launch vehicles and determining which rocket can serve a given mission.
15,600 kg to LEO
Falcon 9 (reusable)
22,800 kg to LEO
Falcon 9 (expendable)
63,800 kg to LEO
Falcon Heavy
150,000 kg to LEO
Starship (target)
Understanding Payload Capacity
Capacity by Orbit
| Vehicle | LEO | GTO | Mars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falcon 9 (reusable) | 15,600 kg | 5,500 kg | 4,000 kg |
| Falcon Heavy (reusable) | 50,000 kg | 21,000 kg | 16,800 kg |
| Starship (target) | 150,000 kg | 21,000 kg | 100,000 kg |
| Ariane 6 (A64) | 21,600 kg | 11,500 kg | — |