Space Payloads
Updated Using 2023 Data

Space payload accounts for the weight in pounds of civilian, commercial, and Department of Defense cargo or satellites sent into Earth’s orbit through Florida’s spaceports. Commercial payloads began increasing significantly in 2019 with the SpaceX Starlink constellation and SpaceX Transporter multi-payload rideshare missions.

Methodology

Methodology: Space Payloads

The space payloads describe the amount of military, civil, and commercial cargo launched into space. Payloads may include cargo, a flight crew, scientific experiments, munitions, or other equipment. The collective weight of the payloads represents weight being sent to orbit through Florida’s spaceports.

Calculation

`"Number of Payloads" = ∑ "Civil, Commercial and Military Payloads"` `"Payload Weight" = ∑ "Pounds in Orbit"`

Reporting Periods

  • Peak Hour
  • Peak Period
  • Daily
  • Yearly
Definitions

Definitions: Space Payloads

  • Payload Weight: The weight of cargo in pounds measured at sea level on Earth. Payload weight accounts for only the revenue-generating portion of the load that is carried by a spacecraft exclusive of what is necessary for operation and flight.
  • Space Payloads: The load of cargo that generates revenue and is carried by a spacecraft exclusive of what is necessary for operation and flight.
  • Reporting Periods
    • Yearly: Includes all the calendar days in a year.
Download Data

Date of last refresh: 3/25/2024

SOURCE

Space Florida