Computer-aided layout design of spacecraft modules, such as satellite module andmanned spaceship module, is of great significance and egregious complexity. It is known as acombinatorial optimization and NPC problem in mathematics, a conceptual design and complex system inengineering. The main difficulties consist of representation and formulation of the problem inmathematics and the solution strategy and pragmatic approaches in engineering practice. After a briefsurvey of the state-of-the art in relevant fields, this paper summarizes the research work of the authors' group on automatic layout design of spacecraft module in last 15 years, mainly focusing on 5 keyproblems. They are modeling and problem-solving algorithms, interference calculation, theory andapplications of layout topological pattern, decision-making in layout design, and their pragmaticapproaches in engineering practice.