Abstract: In recent years,light-weight unmanned airborne spectral imaging technology has become hotspot research and attracted much attention in the field of spectral remote sensing technology at home and abroad owing to its plenty of advantages, such as free route, low cost. The mature application of staring acousto-optic spectral imaging technology with area FPA injects new momentum into light-weight unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV) remote sensing area. Firstly, the technical approach of staring spectral imaging technology was introduced, and then acousto-optic spectral imaging technology was discussed combined with lunar exploration application. After the completion of developing the UAV payload prototype, the application experiment had been carried out, and the test data was analyzed and evaluated. Finally, the application of light-weight UAV payload based on acousto-optic spectral imaging technology was also discussed and looked ahead in the paper.