A Review of Fluid Mechanics Applications in Satellite Control Systems

The high precision and reliability of satellite control systems heavily depend on fluid mechanics-related technologies. In microgravity environments, fluid behavior significantly differs from terrestrial conditions, posing challenges for critical operations such as propellant management, thermal control, and attitude stabilization. This paper systematically reviews recent advances in fluid mechanics applications for satellite control systems, focusing on three key aspects: (1) microgravity fluid dynamics in propulsion systems, (2) fluid mechanics in thermal control systems, and (3) fluid-based attitude control methods. Traditional Navier-Stokes equations require modifications incorporating dimensionless parameters (e.g., Bond number, capillary number), while numerical simulations and ground-based experiments serve as primary research tools. The analysis identifies the key hurdles in applying fluid mechanics to satellite control: ensuring long-term orbital fluid stability, untangling multi-physics couplings, and overcoming engineering bottlenecks in next-generation fluid technologies. Future research directions encompass intelligent fluid control, cost-effective solutions for commercial space applications, and extreme-environment adaptability designs for deep-space exploration.