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Saturn V and Apollo were designed for a very specific purpose. And so the CSM could only sustain the crew for the trip to the moon. The 310k lbs payload did not
by computerex 8y ago
Saturn V and Apollo were designed for a very specific purpose. And so the CSM could only sustain the crew for the trip to the moon. The 310k lbs payload did not include the CSM and LEM. In theory the Saturn V booster could haul up a BFS style ship if such a thing existed.
- mikeash 8y ago“The 310k lbs payload did not include the CSM and LEM.” Are you saying the Saturn V was able to lift 310k lbs plus the CSM and LEM? I’m pretty sure that not true. Saturn V was a general purpose rocket. It wasn’t tied to Apollo, as evidenced by Skylab. It just worked out that nobody found a cost-effective use for it beyond Apollo and Skylab.
- computerex 8y agoSorry for the confusion, I meant that the Saturn V could haul 310k lbs and the payload didn't necessarily need be the CSM/LEM. So in theory they could attach a dragon/bfs type thing as payload.
- mikeash 8y agoI see. You’re right that it could. It wouldn’t be as good, though, since the BFR’s total mass to orbit is greater. That’s why I’m saying you need to take BFS into account and not just look at “payload” numbers.