Astronomy
Unfolding a space observatory
Unfold a space observatory in a safe sequence. Deploy the shield, raise the mast and open the mirror wings, then align the segments to concentrate starlight.
The model and its limits
Rate-limited deployment with prerequisite interlocks and a scalar RMS piston-alignment model. Strehl uses the Marechal estimate. The geometry is illustrative, not a flight replica; full diffraction and flexible membranes are omitted.
Equations used in the module
Equations dx/dt = +/-v_actuator; 0 <= x <= 1; sigma = sqrt(mean(piston_i²)); Strehl = exp(-(2 pi sigma/lambda)²)
