In order to ensure riveting stability and reduce the defects caused by human operations， the research on the application of robot automatic drilling and riveting technology has been carried out in the payload fairing. The structure composition and related process research are introduced in this paper. The drilling and riveting process parameters are analyzed. The trial product of Φ3 800 mm payload fairing is manufactured. The results show that the height of the burr when drilling exit can be controlled effectively at a 12 000 r/min spindle speed and a 500 mm/min feed speed. The rivet feeding quality can be improved by controlling the process parameters such as insert depth， torque， and hovering time. The dimensions accuracy is qualified. The application of robot automatic drilling and riveting technology in the development of the launch vehicle cabin is proved to be feasible and reliable.