Abstract: With the development of space technology, satellite thermal control systems face new challenges. First, a detailed comparison of traditional and responsive thermal control systems was presented according to the characters of small speedy responsive space satellites, and then a new design process was derived for responsive thermal control systems. Each of the key technologies including a single hot and cold case design orbits, modular thermal architectures, fast analysis and virtual test method was introduced. Finally, the advanced equipment and materials for responsive thermal control were reviewed. In a word, the author considers that a robust modular scalable thermal control with new advanced smart thermal control device was the certain requirement and way to implement responsive thermal control systems.