Abstract: In the control of the liquid sloshing and motion for spacecraft using liquid fuel, the precise measurement of the liquid surface deformation is an essential part. The liquid features weak reflectivity, good deformability and strong transmittance, which poses a challenge in the measurement of the liquid surface, and the traditional optical measurement technology for the solid surface is not applicable. The transmission-based measurement techniques widely used for the liquid surface deformation measurement are reviewed with the emphasis on the three techniques, namely, the phase deflectometry, the distortion analysis method and the ray tracing technique. The measuring principle, the sensitivity, the applicable scope, the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are discussed. The development direction and trend of the liquid surface measurement methods are prospected.