According to the elastic catenary theory,this paper derives the spatial catenary cable element from the exact analytical expression,which is used for finite element analysis of the structure.It deduces the precise expression of two-node cable element tangent stiffness matrix and the tension of cable end.The equivalent node load of cable element is expressed by the total load algorithm,and the non-linear equation is solved by double Newdon-rapson method.The proposed non-linear semi-analytical finite element method based on spatial catenary cable element can take full account of the impact of non-linear geometry.The initial configuration and the internal forces on any directional spatial loads can be solved.The example shows that the calculation method is accurate and effective.