Abstract: The software for manned spacecraft features novelty in technology and difficulty in development, with a large number of new configuration items, so it is necessary to have a new technical management method for the software development for manned spacecraft. The method proposed in this paper is based on the current software specifications, to satisfy the requirements of an elaborate management for the software development by a plan in stages and a discrimination approach. The experience of software development for Tiangong-I target spacecraft shows that the method is practical for manned spacecraft and can ensure the software quality according with the requirements.