Abstract A methodology for reformulating equations of motion applicable to a large class of systems with interconnected flexible deployable members is briefly outlined. Effectiveness of the formulation is illustrated through its application to a problem of contemporary interest, the WISP ( W aves I n S pace P lasma) dipole antenna aboard the Space Shuttle. The parametric study suggests that under critical combinations of parameters, the system is susceptible to instability. The information is fundamental to the planning of the WISP experiment. The general character of the formulation, the associated dynamics algorithm, and the operational numerical code makes the approach applicable to a large class of systems characterized by deployable flexible members.