The development of space technology is proposing higher demands on the materials for uses in extreme environment. The present review is divided into five parts, with emphasis focusing on ultrahigh temperature carbides in recent years. Research progresses on mono-carbides, binary carbides, multicomponent high-entropy carbides and their composite materials, in respects of theoretical modeling and prediction, microstructure control and macroscopic proper ties improvement are reviewed. Hardness, toughness and high temperature oxidation resistance of these materials have been enhanced effectively. However, development of highly-efficient fabrication techniques for practical purposes, as well as further investigations on mechanisms of microstructure and properties are still required. Meanwhile, for novel high-entropy carbides, performance improvement by revealing the co-relations of composition and microstructure remains a top priority.