Space environment and space resources have become a new field of competition among countries, and this field is to be developed. To achieve these purposes, some countries have established the detection sites and communication network by launching satellites, space stations, space shuttles and other spacecrafts into the space. Photoelectric systems in space play a crucial role in developing new fields and exploring new resources. Presently, the space environment factors including point-to-point long distance, intense space radiation, large temperature difference challenge the high requirements of the stability and reliability for the optoelectronic system. A new type of technology with quantum dot infrared photodetector, which may be used in the space, is proposed, which potentially provides higher detectivity, operation temperature, radiation tolerance, responsive bandwidth, etc. The basic working principle and the advantages of the quantum dot infrared photodetectorare discussed. And the basic technical requirements for the quantum dot infrared photodetector in space application are pointed out. Finally, feasible applications of the quantum dot infrared photodetector in the field of space laser radar, satellite optical communications and imaging system are analyzed.