The satellite laser communications are of potential applications and have reached a level of high data rate,compact and light construction,and low-power consumption in the world. One of the most key technologies is the design and control of pointing,acquisition and tracking (PAT) system. The composite axis system,consisting of the coarse tracking system and the fine tracking system can accomplish the wide ranging and high accuracy tracking tasks. The properties and key technologies of PAT are discussed. And the scanning,acquisition,pointing and tracking processes are introduced. International progress of the compound-axis control system of PAT is reviewed. Finally,the application prospect of compound-axis control system is given.