Solar array deployment and return around an open service bay

ESV-S05-SOP-02   Serviceable satellite   Simulation procedure



Practise moving the two array assemblies from the recorded stowed configuration to an authored demonstration pose and back. Recover when an open service door obstructs the planned sequence.

Use this procedure to author and assess a controlled simulation with the Serviceable satellite model, version 4. This is a concept-model training exercise. It does not authorise real hardware work or establish flight qualification.

Before the exercise

Use an unpowered ground demonstration with the stand fixed. The author supplies transform groups, pivot locations, conservative motion bounds, clearance envelopes and final poses. These are simulation settings until an engineering owner verifies the actual mechanism.

Identity and provenance: ESV-S05-SOP-02 · S05 · model v4 · 25 October 2026

Explore the model and related procedures: https://eonspaceventures.com/models/#s05

1 Match the deployment configuration

Model labels: bus, stand, solar.left.inner, solar.right.inner

Identify the bus, stand and both inner array assemblies. Save the initial spacecraft and fixture poses.

Check: Keep the stand independent and retain the selected model version.

2 Identify both motion chains

Model labels: solar.left.hinge, solar.left.outer, solar.right.hinge, solar.right.outer

Select each inner hinge and matching outer panel. Associate them with the authored left and right transform groups.

Check: The learner must distinguish the two chains before a panel can move.

3 Establish the motion boundary

Model labels: solar.left.support, solar.right.support, door

Load the exercise motion envelope and put the demonstration in its unpowered controlled-motion state. Mark the door clearance region.

Check: The simulator prevents motion outside the authored envelope.

4 Catch the open door conflict

Model labels: door, door.latchmiddle, solar.left.inner

Present an open service door in the planned left-array sweep. Place a hold and identify the conflicting door and array.

Check: Continuing deployment through the occupied envelope is a critical error.

5 Clear the bay boundary

Model labels: door, door.latchupper, door.latchmiddle, door.latchlower

Return the door to its reviewed closed pose, engage all three latches and request release of the deployment hold.

Check: The hold clears only after the configured door and latch states agree.

6 Prepare the left assembly

Model labels: solar.left.hinge, solar.left.support.pivotupper, solar.left.support.pivotlower

Select the left hinge and support references, then preview the first authored segment without moving the opposite assembly.

Check: A preview verifies selected objects and path; it is not a mechanism qualification.

7 Deploy the left inner panel

Model labels: solar.left.inner, solar.left.hinge, solar.left.support

Move the left inner assembly to its intermediate pose along the configured kinematic path. Pause at its hold point.

Check: Accept the expected transform and absence of authored envelope conflicts.

8 Complete the left demonstration pose

Model labels: solar.left.outer, solar.left.inner.cells, solar.left.outer.cells

Move the left outer panel as a separate dependent segment and verify which cell-bearing faces are exposed.

Check: The outer segment remains blocked until the inner hold point is accepted.

9 Deploy the right assembly

Model labels: solar.right.inner, solar.right.outer, solar.right.hinge

Repeat the approved two-segment sequence on the right side. Keep the completed left assembly fixed.

Check: Each side must reach its own declared pose without swapping transform groups.

10 Review the deployed configuration

Model labels: solar.left.outer, solar.right.outer, dish, top.sensor

Compare both array poses with the target and check their configured clearance from the dish and top sensor.

Check: Record pose and envelope results; visual symmetry alone is not acceptance.

11 Return both arrays to stow

Model labels: solar.right.outer, solar.right.inner, solar.left.outer, solar.left.inner

Reverse the authored dependencies, stowing each outer segment before its inner assembly. Pause if the occupied door envelope returns.

Check: The recorded stow configuration and order must be restored on both sides.

12 Record the handover state

Model labels: solar.left.hinge, solar.right.hinge, door, stand

Submit the motion history, resolved door conflict and final stow comparison while retaining the ground-support state.

Check: Completion requires both stow poses, closed bay and no unresolved hold.

Assessment and completion

Score correct motion chains 20, dependent order 25, door-conflict handling 25, pose restoration 20 and evidence 10. Motion through an occupied envelope or reversing a required dependency is a critical stop. Do not claim deployment forces, actuator loads or power generation.

Authoring and headless handoff

This is an authored kinematic rehearsal. Joint axes, travel and clearance tolerances must be supplied and labelled by the author. Preserve child groups when moving panels. Any dynamics, contact forces or real deployment validation requires a separate model and evidence.

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.
