Abstract: The electric propulsion as a new aerospace technology has received an extensive attention in the space community all over the world. The electric thrusters were applied in satellites and other deep space probes successfully. Among the numerous electric thrusters, the helicon plasma thruster with its features of electrodeless, long life, high specific impulse and good performance, has become an important research object in recent years. This paper reviews the history, the present status, the development trend, as well as the structural components and the propulsion principle of the helicon plasma thruster. Some ion acceleration technologies are discussed. The prospect of applications is commented.