Smallsat payload configuration

A method comprising:

• deploying, from an orbiting system including a plurality of spacecraft, a first spacecraft of the plurality of spacecraft;
• and
• deploying, from the orbiting system, a second spacecraft of the plurality of spacecraft;
• wherein
• tree-like structural arrangement provides a load path between a launch vehicle upper stage and the plurality of spacecraft;
• each spacecraft is mechanically coupled with the launch vehicle upper stage only by the structural arrangement;
• and
• the tree-like structural arrangement includes at least one trunk member that is approximately aligned with a longitudinal axis of the launch vehicle upper stage, a plurality of branch members, each branch member having at least a first end portion that is substantially outboard from the longitudinal axis and a second end portion attached to the trunk member, and a plurality of mechanical linkages, each mechanical linkage having a first respective end and a second respective end, wherein:
• each of the mechanical linkages includes a spring-like coupling that provides substantial resistance to both compression and tension;
• the first respective end of each linkage is detachably coupled with a first respective spacecraft;
• the second respective end of at least one of the mechanical linkages is attached to one of the plurality of branch members, the trunk member or a second respective spacecraft;
• and
• at least one of the plurality of mechanical linkages includes a first respective end coupled to the first respective spacecraft and a second respective end attached to the second respective spacecraft.