Generally, Satellite’s vibration has small amplitude, complex spectrum, uncertain start time and duration, and is difficult to be detected accurately. The vibration’s amplitude and spectrum features are analyzed based on coherent detection of Synthetic Aperture Lidar (SAL). The imaging algorithm theory of SAL is briefly introduced. Satellite’s vibration error model is introduced into SAL imaging. SAL’s range and cross-range imaging are closely analyzed by theory and simulation-based method. The various kinds of imaging quality loss corresponding with different start time and duration of vibration are investigated. Then a constructive vibration error compensation method is presented. The results show that the vibration’s frequency below 1 kHz can seriously affect imaging of SAL. The longer duration of vibration, more severe damage is caused on the imaging quality. Different time periods vibration can cause different imaging damage. Extending the length of synthetic aperture or reducing the resolution can suppress the damage of vibration error.