Review of micro propulsion technology for space gravitational waves detection

Gravitational Wave (GW) signal was first detected by Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (aLIGO) in 2005 making GW detection a hotspot. The low-frequency gravitational signal needs to be detected in space. As the actuator of the drag-free control system, the micro propulsion system works to provide a super-stable platform for satellites by offsetting non-conservative forces. In this paper, some micro propulsion systems are analyzed from their work mechanisms and task requirements to justify suitability for space GWs detection. According to the analysis results, recent progress for cold gas propulsion, wave ionization ion propulsion, Hall propulsion and field emission effect electric propulsion (FEEEP) are introduced in detail. Lastly, the future of micro propulsion for space GWs detection is analyzed from engineering respects.