An orbital experiment system with different internal experiment locations within
a reusable launch vehicle making daylong delivery trips to space. The experiments
get access to the attributes of low earth orbit, the reusable launch vehicle's
power and other subsystems. The experimenter utilizes uniform experiment trays
having a uniform connector for connection to an experiment management unit mounted
on the orbital vehicle. The experiment management unit provides power and data
from the orbital vehicle related to the operation of the orbital vehicle and permits
an experiment check simulation prior to integration into the launch vehicle. The
uniform size and connectivity requirements provide low cost options for the delivery
of an experiment into space and the return of the experiment from space. A commercial
transportation system to and from orbit delivers a primary payload and provides
a 24-hour return cycle for the internal secondary experiments, which provide a
quick confirmation of technical experiment exposure to space and quick re-flight opportunities.