Delta-V

Delta-V($\Delta V$, DV) is a spaceflight term for the velocity change needed during an orbital maneuver. The name has its origin in mathematics, where the greek capital letter delta gets used for indicating differences of a variable, in this case "V", which is commonly used for velocities.

Because of the high propellant mass ratios in spacecraft, two maneuvers of the same delta-V have different burn times and fuel consumptions.

Further information

• Delta V on Wikipedia.

This article is a stub. You can help Orbiterwiki by expanding it.