Laser radar is an important technical way for high-accuracy detection, tracking and monitoring space-based target in the distance. Compared to the traditional imaging system, the range-resolved laser radar system has the advantages of simple structure and small atmospheric effect. At home and abroad the relative research institutes have done much work about this technology. The status and trend of two kinds of laser radar, which were called high resolution echoes detecting laser radar and reflective tomography imaging laser radar respectively, was introduced. The developments of the theoretical algorithms, modeling simulation, experimental verification and actual application were summarized and compared with each other. The technical characteristics of these two kinds of laser radar were analyzed, and the prospect of developments was expected.