Abstract: A riview was given on the requirements for lubricating materials and technologies posed by the space programs and on the state-of-the-art of space tribology in China. It was pointed out that space tribology should be considered as the science and technology dealing with the friction, wear, and lubrication of the interacting surfaces in relative motion of space-related components under space conditions. It was noted that the studies in the space tribology would help to establish the scientific ground and technological know-how for the development of lubricating materials and technologies for space application. Moreover, the challenges to the space tribology in China were listed, and it was suggested to enhance and deepen the related studies on novel solid and liquid lubricating materials and technologies for aerospace application so as to guarentee the smooth development of the national space programs.