Delta-v

Delta-v (∆v), Delta meaning "change" and v meaning "velocity", is a measure of the impulse that is needed to perform a manoeuvre such as a launch from, or landing on a planet or moon, or in-space orbital manoeuvre.

Delta-V can be calculated using the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation:

$$\Delta v = v_\text{e} \ln \frac{m_0}{m_f} = I_\text{sp} g_0 \ln \frac{m_0}{m_f}$$

Where:


 * $$\Delta v\ $$ is delta-v
 * $$m_0$$ is the initial total mass (wet mass).
 * $$m_f$$ is the final mass without fuel mass (dry mass).
 * $$v_\text{e} = I_\text{sp} g_0$$ is the effective exhaust velocity, where:
 * $$I_\text{sp}$$ is the specific impulse.
 * $$g_0$$ is gravity acting upon the craft.
 * $$\ln$$ is the natural logarithm function.

This map shows the ∆v and manoeuvres required to reach different planets in Spaceflight Simulator. It is not 100% accurate.