Abstract: Propellant is the power source to ensure the normal operation of spacecraft. It should be stored in sealed containers for leakage can seriously affects work performance of spacecraft. The leak detection is an effective way to improve reliability of space mission. Based on the characteristics of three kinds of propellants， such as room temperature liquid propellant， cryogenic liquid propellant， gas propellant， this paper introduced the requirement analysis of leak detection for spacecraft propellant and the method analysis of common leak detection， analyzed the application situation and research progress of different leak detection methods at home and abroad. It provides a reference for technology research of leak detection on spacecraft propellant in future.