Spectral instruments have the ability to acquire spectral information and images for targets, and can realize nondestructive identification and quantitative interpretation of the mineral composition, which has become the key scientific payloads in lunar and Mars exploration missions, and provides an important basis for the study in aspects of surface composition and mineral resources, formation and evolution history and resource utilization. This paper briefly illustrates the research progress and application status of spectroscopic technology in lunar and Mars exploration missions at the domestic and international level in recent years. The seven spectral instruments and their application status in China’s Lunar Exploration Program (CLEP) and Tianwen-1 mission are summarized. In addition, this paper further introduces the typical scientific outputs for lunar and Martian spectral data. Finally, the application prospect and development trend of spectral instruments in the field of lunar and deep space exploration are discussed.