In particular embodiments, a mission payload mounting apparatus comprises a pressurized door plug assembly on a side of an aircraft fuselage and a strut having a first end and a second end. The strut extends from an interior of the aircraft fuselage through the pressurized door plug assembly to an exterior of the aircraft fuselage. The strut is capable of being rotationally actuated about an axis exterior to the aircraft fuselage. The first end of the strut is connected to the interior of the aircraft fuselage. One or more payloads are attached to the strut between the axis and the second end.