A modular payload carrier for use in a launch vehicle includes at least one module
configured to fit in a payload bay of the vehicle and attachable to at least one
other module configured to fit in the bay. The module includes an outer wall contoured
generally to fit a bottom surface contour of the bay. The carrier can be used for
the manifesting of both deployable and non-deployable payloads. Processing of payloads
with the carrier can be performed, in large part, separately from launch vehicle
processing. Thus launch costs and turnaround times can be reduced.
