On-orbit assembly of communication satellites

A method comprising:

• reconfiguring a spacecraft from a launch configuration to an on-orbit configuration, wherein
• the spacecraft includes a main body structure, a manipulator and at least a first deployable element;
• in the launch configuration, the spacecraft is disposed within a launch vehicle fairing and the first deployable element is mechanically attached with the spacecraft main body structure by way of a first arrangement;
• in the on-orbit configuration, the first deployable element is mechanically attached with the spacecraft main body structure by way of a second arrangement;
• in a transition configuration, intermediate to the launch configuration and the on-orbit configuration, both the first arrangement and the second arrangement are detached from the first deployable element;
• reconfiguring includes:
• detaching the first deployable element from the first arrangement;
• moving the first deployable element with respect to the spacecraft main body structure;
• and
• attaching the first deployable element to the second arrangement;
• and
• the manipulator is configured to grasp the first deployable element;
• move the first deployable element from a first position proximate to the first arrangement to a second position proximate to the second arrangement;
• and
• release the first deployable element.