Abstract: Bio-regenerative life support system （BLSS）, is one of key technologies for long-term and long-distance manned space missions such as manned Mars landing and the establishment of lunar and Mars bases. The theories and technologies of BLSS are summarized. Countries and organizations including Russia, USA, Europe, Japan and China have conducted a series of research in BLSS, from bio-unit test, systematic test to manned closed experiment and aquatic micro-ecosystem experiments in space. The development path of BLSS is proposed, and it points out that small-scale terrestrial ecosystem is the key part for the application of BLSS to space. The tendency and ground application prospect of technologies derived by BLSS are analyzed as well.