Nonmetallic composite is a kind of high-performance material with low density, high stiffness and high strength. At present, it has become an indispensable key structural material in aerospace satellites. But at the same time, this kind of material is also an anisotropic heterogeneous material which is very difficult to process. Using the traditional contact method, it is prone to produce problems such as edge collapse, delamination, fuzzing, tearing and so on. As an advanced manufacturing technology gradually moving towards practicality, laser manufacturing technology has a series of advantages, such as strong material removal ability, high machining accuracy and controllable damage. It is an ideal method to realize the high-performance machining of nonmetallic composites and meet the existing and future needs. Focusing on carbon fiber composites, aramid fiber composites and ceramic matrix composites, which are widely used in aerospace field, this paper systematically summarizes the research and application progress of laser processing non-metallic composites. The technology branch involves cutting, hole drilling, milling, etching, cleaning and other material removal manufacturing technologies. Finally, the future research focus and engineering application prospect of laser processing methods for nonmetallic composites are summarized and prospected.