The research results of space cold welding effect on domestic and foreign space institutions since the 1960s were reviewed in this paper. First, based on the explanation of lattice structure and energy, the mechanism of the space cold welding effect was expounded. Also, the role of surface oxides, non-stoichiometric compounds and crystal imperfections in cold welding effect was discussed. The main factors affecting the cold welding effect including contact type, substrate materials, contact area and the stress, were also analyzed. It included the difference of cold welding effect under static load, impact and fretting, the comparison of adhesion force between different material, and the influence of contact area and contact stress on cold welding. The equipment for the research of the cold welding effect was introduced. Aimed at three common substrate materials for space moving parts (steel, aluminium alloy and titanium alloy), the protection measures for cold welding were summarized. It included coatings (such as MoS2, TiC, and DLC), hard anodizing and plasma electrolytic oxidation. According to the current research situation of the space cold welding effect in China, the main points of research and the development suggestions were put forward.