Abstract: A support structure for a satellite/perigee stage assembly in the cargo bay of a shuttle orbiter is provided by a cradle assembly. The perigee stage is latched to the cradle assembly by three releasable latches which catch trunnions extending from fittings on the perigee stage. Springs are compressed between the cradle and the perigee stage and a retaining cable is tightly fixed between the perigee stage and the cradle assembly to hold the satellite/perigee stage in place when the latches are retracted and allow them to be reclosed. The cable when severed provides a single point release. The satellite/perigee stage assembly is separated from the shuttle cargo bay without significant spinning of rotation being imparted thereto.