Folded solar array deployment and return with a clearance hold

ESV-S01-SOP-02   Payload satellite   Simulation procedure



Rehearse a controlled array deployment and return using both folded-array groups. Detect a harness obstruction before movement, recover to a clear route and restore the stowed configuration with its retention evidence.

Use this procedure to author and assess a controlled simulation with the Payload satellite model, version 5. This is a concept-model training exercise. It does not authorise real hardware work or establish flight qualification.

Before the exercise

Use an inert spacecraft model with the payload protected and fixture secured. The author supplies array membership, reference axes, stowed and demonstration-deployed poses, keep-out envelopes and a clearance-fault variant. These kinematic poses do not establish a real deployment mechanism.

Identity and provenance: ESV-S01-SOP-02 · S01 · model v5 · 25 October 2026

Explore the model and related procedures: https://eonspaceventures.com/models/#s01

1 Confirm the spacecraft and fixture

Model labels: bus, base, solar_r, solar_l

Select the bus, fixture and both folded arrays. Save the accepted stowed pose and identify which array is scheduled to move first.

Check: A reversed left/right selection or mismatched model revision blocks the sequence.

2 Establish the movement boundary

Model labels: objective, optics, foot_rf, foot_lf

Mark the optical aperture as a no-contact zone and confirm the fixture support state. Identify the complete array sweep envelope supplied by the scenario.

Check: The learner must acknowledge the protected payload and movement envelope before releasing retention.

3 Trace the hinge and retention groups

Model labels: solar_r, solar_r_center_strap, hinge_rft, hinge_rfb

Select the right array, its centre strap and the displayed hinge references. Confirm the authored array group includes its leaf, strips and hinge attachments.

Check: Reject movement of a single solar-cell surface while its supporting group remains fixed.

4 Find the obstructing harness

Model labels: cable_r, cable_r_sleeve, cable_r_head_clip, solar_r

Present the right harness crossing the planned movement envelope. Compare that route with the approved clearance snapshot and place the work on hold.

Check: Continuing the deployment through the displayed obstruction is a critical error.

5 Recover the harness route

Model labels: cable_r, cable_r_sleeve, cable_r_head_clip

Return the array to its safe starting pose if needed. Route the harness to the scenario-defined clear position, restore the sleeve and engage the retaining clip.

Check: The hold is resolved only after the saved route and retention states agree.

6 Release the right retention state

Model labels: solar_r_center_strap, solar_r, solar_r_inner_leaf

Support the right array in the simulated fixture and release the authored retention state. Select the whole right array group for controlled movement.

Check: Support must precede release. The virtual strap state is separate from any unmodelled release hardware.

7 Deploy the right array

Model labels: solar_r, solar_r_inner_leaf, hinge_rft, hinge_rrt

Move the right array along the reviewed kinematic path to the stored demonstration pose. Pause at the intermediate clearance checkpoint and capture the pose.

Check: A wrong axis, disconnected leaf or crossed keep-out envelope prevents progression.

8 Deploy the left array

Model labels: solar_l, solar_l_inner_leaf, solar_l_center_strap, hinge_lft

Repeat support, retention release and staged movement for the left group. Compare the resulting left/right configuration with the approved scene snapshot.

Check: Do not apply the right-side path blindly to the mirrored left assembly.

9 Check the deployed work configuration

Model labels: solar_r, solar_l, cable_l, cable_r, objective

Review both array poses, the optical no-contact zone and the visible harness routes. Submit the prescribed geometric clearance evidence before returning to stow.

Check: Only the declared geometric checks are assessed; electrical output is not inferred from the solar-cell texture.

10 Return the arrays in the reviewed order

Model labels: solar_l, solar_r, hinge_lft, hinge_rft

Return the left array and then the right array along their reverse authored paths, stopping at the same intermediate checkpoints.

Check: Preserve the specified order and prevent a shortcut through the protected payload envelope.

11 Restore retention and covers

Model labels: solar_l_center_strap, solar_r_center_strap, bus_top_hatch, bus_front_top_hatch

Restore the stowed retention states, confirm both bus access covers are in their baseline positions and inspect the saved harness-clearance view.

Check: Missing retention or an access cover in the movement envelope prevents completion.

12 Record the return to baseline

Model labels: solar_l, solar_r, cable_r_head_clip, base

Compare final group transforms with the stowed baseline and hand over the obstruction, recovery, deployment and return records.

Check: Completion requires accepted final poses, resolved hold and complete retention evidence.

Assessment and completion

Score group identification 20, preparation and support 20, clearance recovery 25, movement order and final poses 25, and handover 10. Passing through an obstruction or releasing an unsupported array prevents completion.

Authoring and headless handoff

Create explicit group bindings for each array and its leaves. Use authored kinematic poses with a stated demonstration axis and clearance envelope. Do not derive an actual flight joint, release system or energy model from appearance. Record every hold, pose checkpoint and retention-state transition.

Reuse the exact GLB and component identifiers above. Verify the supported Genesis import and binding path; the current Creator scene driver can generate a different model. This document and its JSON describe authoring intent, not completed interactions. Preserve one model revision and record actual lesson, job and review identifiers during execution.
