Optical pre-sensor computing is a technique involving information computation and processing in the optical domain at the front end of photoelectric sensors. This encompasses computation paradigms such as encoding compression and all-optical intelligent inference. It exhibits significant characteristics, such as computation during optical transmission and structure-function correlation, making it widely applicable in the field of satellite remote sensing. This paper introduces optical field modulation devices employed in pre-sensor computing, such as digital micromirror device (DMD), liquid crystal spatial light modulator (LC-SLM), diffractive optical element (DOE), and metasurface. Subsequently, we systematically review the pertinent technological advancements in pre-sensor encoding compression and all-optical intelligent inference. Finally, the application pathways and future development trends of optical pre-sensor computing in the field of satellite remote sensing are discussed.