Abstract: The ultra wideband (UWB) radar detection technology can achieve mine human target detection for drilling rescue. However, UWB electromagnetic waves are susceptible to the complex environment of catastrophic mines. The UWB radar echo signals are susceptible to the background clutter and environmental noise of catastrophic mines. It is difficult to achieve precise detection of human targets in catastrophic mines. In order to solve the above problems, the underground target detection scenarios and human target detection principles based on UWB radar are introduced. The research status of UWB electromagnetic wave characteristics and UWB echo noise filtering methods are analyzed. The existing problems are summarized as following points. ① The propagation characteristics of UWB electromagnetic waves in the complex environment of catastrophic mines require in-depth research. ② The reason for the generation of background clutter is not yet clear. There is limited research on the filtering technology of background clutter and environmental noise in catastrophic mines. ③ The UWB radar human target detection technology for drilling rescue still needs to be improved. In response to the shortcomings of existing technologies, the development trend of UWB radar underground human target detection technology for drilling rescue is prospected. ① It is suggested to do in-depth research on the sensitivity of key characterization parameters of UWB electromagnetic wave penetration transmission to complex underground environmental characteristics. ② It is suggested to construct methods for filtering background clutter and environmental noise suitable for catastrophic mines. ③ It is suggested to deeply optimize UWB radar human target detection technology for drilling rescue.