Abstract: High-precision detection in fundamental space physics, such as space gravitational wave detection, high-precision earth gravity field measurement, and reference frame drag effect measurement, is the key to achieving important breakthroughs in the scientific study of fundamental space physics. Acquiring high-precision measurements requires high-performance satellite platforms to achieve “drag-free control” in a near “pure gravity” flight environment. The critical technology for drag-free control is variable thrust control at the micro-Newton scale. Thrust noise is the most important technical indicator for achieving drag-free flight. However, there is no literature about the current status and future prospects of variable thrust control based on thrust noise. Therefore, the micro-Newton variable thrust control technology and the thrust noise of the drag-free satellite platform are reviewed in this work. Firstly, the research status of micro-Newton scale variable thrust control technology and its applications to drag-free satellite platforms are introduced. Then, the noise problem is analyzed in detail and its solution is theoretically investigated in three aspects: “cross-basin flow problem,” “control problem,” and “system instability and multiple-coupled problem.” Finally, a systematic overview is presented and the corresponding suggested directions of research are discussed. This work provides detailed understanding and support for realizing low-noise variable thrust control in the next generation of drag-free satellites.

Key words: Space physics detection; Satellite platforms; Drag-free control; Micro-Newton scale variable thrust; Thrust noise

Please provide your name, email address and a comment

Your Name: Affili: E-Mail Address:

Comment (Please comment in English):


Verification Code(click to change a pic):