A review on DFACS (I): System design and dynamics modeling

The Drag-Free and Attitude Control System (DFACS) is a critical platform for various space missions, including high precision satellite navigation, geoscience and gravity field measurement, and space scientific experiments. This paper presents a comprehensive review of over sixty years of research on the design and dynamics model of DFACS. Firstly, we examine the open literature on DFACS and its applications in Drag-Free missions, providing readers with necessary background information on the field. Secondly, we analyze the system configurations and main characteristics of different DFACSs, paying particular attention to the coupling mechanism between the system configuration and dynamics model. Thirdly, we summarize the dynamics modeling methods and main dynamics models of DFACS from multiple perspectives, including common fundamentals and specific applications. Lastly, we identify current challenges and technological difficulties in the system design and dynamics modeling of DFACS, while suggesting potential avenues for future research. This paper aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the state-of-the-art in DFACS research, as well as the future prospects and challenges in this field.