Abstract: Space electric field is an important parameter in the study of space physics，space weather and space environment.In this paper，the essential origin and manifestation of space quasi DC and AC electric field in the ionosphere are discussed，and its characteristics of frequency，amplitude and so on are also narrated.Then，it is pointed out that the double probe type of space electric field detection technology is the main method at the present，and the electronic drift type can be used as the verification and the complement of the double probe type.Based on the above，the operational principle，mathematical model，and physical essence of double probe and electronic drift space electric field detection technology are described respectively.