In order to minimize volume, lighten the weight of a satellite mounting effectively and satisfy the requirement of cold copy, accomplishing electric motor’s turn precision and cylinder memory at the same time, the design for satellite mounting dual numerical minitype multi-turn absolute photoelectric encoder is put forward. Based on turn precision and cylinder memory of electric motor, the two sets of absolute grating measuring system are applied to the mechanical structure. Based on the requirement of reliability, a dual numerical reading slit disc and a numerical reading system are developed. Finally, the precision test, the high temperature or low temperature test and the vibration test are implemented on the encoder. The experimental result shows that the satellite mounting dual numerical minitype multi-turn absolute photoelectric encoder can offer its resolution 80″, precision<±100″, and cylinder number 16. The encoder has the function of cold copy in the reading system and electric motor cylinder memory, light weight, high precision and high reliability, which can meet the requirement of satellite mounting.