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The subsystem that looks into the science of the payload and its working in the satellite is called as the payload subsystem. This subsystem has to have interacted with various subsystems for understanding their capabilities as well as know what all requirements it can set on the other subsystems to achieve the payload. The subsystem and its expertise is an important aspect when it comes to the above factors. Thus, a payload subsystem member has to “pay-for-the-load” for being in this subsystem. <br />

* If the team has selected a payload which requires a specific instrument, say a camera, then that instrument is the responsibility of the payload subsystem. Procuring it, calibrating it, testing it, interfacing it with the rest of the satellite, establishing that the instrument is suitable for the intended applications, developing and enforcing proper handling and storage practices for the instrument etc. are the responsibilities of the payload subsystem

* If the payload can fall under the purview of another subsystem, then the payload subsystem can be disintegrated post the selection of the payload and the members can be segregated in different subsystems. For instance, if the payload is the development of a repeater satellite, then the payload falls under the purview of the Communications Subsystem and hence the payload subsystem can be disintegrated.