Spacecraft dispensing system

A dispensing system for releasing a plurality of spacecraft from a launch vehicle, comprising:

• a) a base support structure securely fastened to a launch vehicle;
• b) a plurality of stacked frame assemblies, each frame assembly comprising:
• i) a plurality of substantially parallel load bearing elongated post elements, said post elements defining a geometry having a center line, each post element having a first end portion and a second end portion, each first end portion being connectable to either another frame assembly, or said base support structure of the launch vehicle, said post elements for supporting a plurality of spacecraft, the spacecraft being supported between adjacent post elements;
• and
• ii) shear load transferring means connected to said post elements for transferring shear loads between said plurality of post elements wherein said shear load transferring means, comprises;
• an elongated hollow central body, said central body having a longitudinal central axis, said central axis and said center line being parallel said central body being sufficiently sized to accommodate various launch vehicle components;
• and
• a plurality of radially extending arms, said arms being attached to said post elements,
• wherein the volume formed in said hollow central body may be used to contain various launch vehicle components;
• and
• c) a plurality of longitudinally spaced stabilizers connected to desired locations on said post elements to increase the buckling capability of the dispensing system,
• wherein the provision of a plurality of stacked frame assemblies provides a modular structure with sufficient structural integrity to obviate the need for attachment to the fairing or shroud of the launch vehicle.