A survey is given on the principles of detectors used in the X-ray pulsars-based navigation system.And analyses of the existing detectors are presented

about the detectors’performance

timing characteristics

and their limitation within application.After each individual detector is described

the principle of detector system composed of multiple detectors is designed

and the components

the manner of fixing

and the processing circuit of the detector system are analyzed.The application of detectors in spacecraft navigation

especially the prior use in the USA

is described

which provides useful reference for the research and development of detectors used in the X-ray pulsars-based navigation system.