The development and progress of data processing technology is important to guarantee the realization of millimeter-level satellite laser ranging (Satellite Laser Ranging, SLR). The history and research actuality of SLR technology were reviewed briefly, the practical application of data processing methods in SLR was introduced emphatically, and the typical data processing algorithms and its development at home and abroad were summarized. At the same time, the suitability, stability and technical problems of the existing SLR data processing algorithms were concluded and analyzed in accordance with the applicable demands and features of geodetic data products. Finally, in view of the future development trend of laser ranging, the challenges and possible solutions of the new generation of SLR data processing methods were proposed and its development trend was prospected.