Abstract: The Space Water Membrane Evaporator (SWME) is a kind of consumable heat rejection device that can be applied under various pressure conditions. With the special membrane structure, the gas-liquid phases of the working fluid are separated and the latent heat is taken away in the vaporization process. This paper reviews the studies of the SWME in NASA, including the related program background, the development of the prototype, and the series of performance tests. The working principle of the SWME is analyzed. Comparing with the technical characteristics of the principle prototypes of different generations, the development trend of the SWME in structure and performance is summarized, to provide a reference for the study and the design of the SWME in China.