Large capacity, high frequency, multiple beams and processing transponder are the trend of new generation satellite communication systems. The conventional signal processing and transmission payloads in electronic domain have drawbacks such as bulky, heavy, susceptible to electromagnetic interference, low bit rate and narrow band. The microwave photonic technology to satellite communication systems will overcome the above limitations, greatly enhance satellite communication system performance and meet the requirement of industrial, civil and defense communication technology in future. The potential applications of microwave photonic signal processing in satellite payloads are presented and the development trend is also overviewed.