Abstract: Space nuclear reactor power(SNRP)has many advantages,such as good environmental adaptability,wide power coverage,compact and small specific mass under high power conditions. SNRP has broad application prospects in military and civilian space missions,and is one of the disruptive technologies which will change the future pattern of aerospace power. In this paper,the principle,characteristics,application scopes,application prospects,development history and current situation,typical projects,application safety of SNRP are introduced. The development trends of SNRP technology are analyzed. Some insights are also given to the SNRP development in China.