A stackable satellite system comprising: at least two stackable satellites, wherein each stackable satellite comprises: a frame for supporting a plurality of satellite components (90, 92), and at least one vertical pillar attached to the frame and having an upper end with a recess shaped thereon and a lower end with a protruding portion, wherein the recess of the upper end is adapted to receive and support a protruding portion of a lower end of a respective vertical pillar of an upper stackable satellite and the protruding portion of the lower end is adapted to mate with a recess shaped on an upper end of a respective vertical pillar of a lower stackable satellite, wherein the only points of contact between vertically adjacent satellites are via the mated lower and upper ends (56, 58) of the at least one vertical pillar, and wherein the at least one vertical pillar receives substantially all of a vertical load of the stackable satellite and the upper stackable satellite via the mated lower and upper ends (56, 58) of the vertical pillars; and a satellite fastener adapted to fasten the at least two stackable satellites to a launch vehicle. at least two stackable satellites, wherein each stackable satellite comprises: a frame for supporting a plurality of satellite components (90, 92), and at least one vertical pillar attached to the frame and having an upper end with a recess shaped thereon and a lower end with a protruding portion, wherein the recess of the upper end is adapted to receive and support a protruding portion of a lower end of a respective vertical pillar of an upper stackable satellite and the protruding portion of the lower end is adapted to mate with a recess shaped on an upper end of a respective vertical pillar of a lower stackable satellite, wherein the only points of contact between vertically adjacent satellites are via the mated lower and upper ends (56, 58) of the at least one vertical pillar, and wherein the at least one vertical pillar receives substantially all of a vertical load of the stackable satellite and the upper stackable satellite via the mated lower and upper ends (56, 58) of the vertical pillars; and a frame for supporting a plurality of satellite components (90, 92), and at least one vertical pillar attached to the frame and having an upper end with a recess shaped thereon and a lower end with a protruding portion, wherein the recess of the upper end is adapted to receive and support a protruding portion of a lower end of a respective vertical pillar of an upper stackable satellite and the protruding portion of the lower end is adapted to mate with a recess shaped on an upper end of a respective vertical pillar of a lower stackable satellite, wherein the only points of contact between vertically adjacent satellites are via the mated lower and upper ends (56, 58) of the at least one vertical pillar, and wherein the at least one vertical pillar receives substantially all of a vertical load of the stackable satellite and the upper stackable satellite via the mated lower and upper ends (56, 58) of the vertical pillars; and a satellite fastener adapted to fasten the at least two stackable satellites to a launch vehicle.