Abstract: A payload deployment system is described that includes an external shell or tube within which an internal cargo unit is placed. The internal cargo unit encapsulates one or more payloads and seals the external shell or tube. Payloads are deployed in a two step process. The first step involves ejecting the internal cargo unit from the external shell or tube. The second step involves separating the internal cargo unit into two or more pieces in a controlled and, possibly, time-sequenced manner so as to deploy one or more payloads housed within the internal cargo unit. The internal cargo unit is ejected from the external shell or tube by a first separation device and the internal cargo unit is separated by a second separation device. Illustrative separation devices include, but are not limited to, pyrotechnic and clamp-and-spring devices.