Additive manufacturing technology(AM) is a new type of manufacturing technology based on the discrete-stacking principle and processing component with computer model data. Selective laser melting(SLM) is an important technology in the field of additive manufacturing. With its integrated manufacturing characteristics and significant advantages in the field of complex structural parts manufacturing, it has become a key development technology and frontier direction in the field of aerospace manufacturing. This article reviews the material system and application fields of SLM technology, and mainly analyzes the latest process research of SLM technology and typical applications in the aerospace field. It focuses on the research progress and results of SLM iron-based alloys, nickel-based alloys, titanium alloys and aluminum alloys. While SLM technology is widely used in various fields, there are also many problems and shortcomings, such as many internal defects of forming materials, cracks and deformations of high-