Abstract: The development of annular ion thruster provides a good platform for the ion thrusters that will be widely used in the future space mission. Compare with the traditional ion thruster,annular ion thruster has a more novel concept. Annular ion thruster increases the discharge area of anode in discharge chamber and reduces the erosion owing to the ion optics greatly. Thus thrusters'power level and operating life get improved. Base on the investigation about the development of annular ion thruster abroad,the paper introduces the early development history,current technical characteristics, research status and the prospects for development. It can provide a reference about the development of New-Type High Power Ion Thruster for the future.