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Atmospheric and Vacuum Specific Impulse


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Ostensibly Specific Impulse is the ratio between thrust and fuel consumption. I calculated this ratio using the statistics presented by the parts list in the VAB/SPH but the numbers didn't line up with the discussion between other players, most noticeably for the nuclear engine which is the most efficient engine on the forums, but the least efficient in the VAB.

I understand that high gravity and air drag would massively reduce the fuel efficiency of a rocket, but this effect would be dependent on the lift vehicle as a whole and not which kind of engine you're using. However the wiki lists the numbers as being different and even lists the fuel consumption rates as being different for atmosphere and vacuum.

What is the relationship between atmospheric ISP, specific impulse in vacuum, thrust and fuel consumption?

How do you calculate Specific Impulse?

Does the fuel consumption rate for a given rocket change depending on the environment? What, it simply changes?

Is the atmospheric ISP different for different planets?

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