MPT (Microwave Power Transmission) technology transfers power wirelessly from point to point by microwave beam,which could be applied in the solar power satellites,airships in the near space,and wireless sensors,etc.The rectenna,receiving the microwave power and converting it into the direct current power,is the key device of an MPT system.Firstly,the latest research development of rectennas is overviewed in terms of expending the operation frequency bands,the input power and the resistive load ranges.Secondly,the effective design methods of rectennas are outlined after analyzing the topological structures of the rectifying circuits and their corresponding application conditions,which are the core component of rectennas.Finally,the problems about rectennas to be solved in the future are analyzed and the research directions of MPT technology are proposed.