Abstract: The propulsion technology based on detonation is a major trend for the future development of space technology, especially for its simple structural design and high thermodynamic efficiency. This paper conducted a series of latest researches for rotating detonation rocket engine and air breathing rotating detonation engine, including experimental tests and numerical simulation. It also discussed the propagation property of rotating detonation waves and the effects on engine's properties in terms of different fuels, combustion chamber structures, injection methods and operating modes. The aforementioned exploration has shown many beneficial results. However, since the flow, the physical and chemical progresses involved in rotating detonation technology are complicated, the mechanism of rotating detonation still needs to be studied in a further step.