We present a design of a small payload for deployment from sounding rockets. The payload is intended for measurements in the ionosphere and the acquired data is stored onboard. For a secure recovery of the data and possible re-use of the payload, an inflatable structure is deployed during the payload descent. This reduces the payload speed and protects it from ground impact. On the ground, a localization system is activated, sending the payload position via a satellite link, and providing a radio beacon signal. The proposed small payload will allow high time resolution multipoint measurements in the ionosphere with small separation distances, thus allowing to address a number of unresolved questions in the field.