The research on space optical communication based on solar-pumped laser technology is reviewed in this paper. The research progress of solar-pumped laser in the field of space optical communication is introduced, and the advantages and disadvantages of solar-pumped laser with different types in system design are summarized. For solar-pumped laser technology, higher energy conversion efficiency is an important advantage for its space application. The main energy conversion links in solar-pumped laser technology and the influencing factors are detailed. In order to improve the conversion efficiency of “sunlight to laser” in space, a design method of solar-pumped fiber laser technology is proposed, and its research progress, application prospects and current problems are discussed. Finally, combined with the simulation results and performance expectations of the new design method, several key research directions in the future are proposed, such as high-efficiency sunlight converging to the fiber, and multi-rare-earth ion-doped gain fiber.