The spacecraft running in orbit will face various extreme conditions due to the unique space environment. In order to ensure the safe and efficient work of spacecraft, the thermal control coatings with low absorption performance and high emission performance on the surfaces of spacecraft structure materials has become a research hotspot. Micro arc oxidation (MAO) technology is a new method for the preparation of thermal control coatings. It has the advantages of simple operation, controllable composition, compact structure, and wide applicability. It is suitable for the preparation of high performance thermal control coatings with long service life. In this paper, the research progress of zinc modified micro arc oxidation thermal control coatings is reviewed. The evaluation indexes of thermal control properties of materials and the classification of thermal control materials are described. The effects of the types of zinc source (such as Zn2+ or ZnO nanoparticles) on the process, reaction mechanism, coating structure and composition, and thermal control performance of the coating are emphatically summarized. Finally, the existing problems of MAO thermal control coating are analyzed, and the future development trend is prospected.