The principle, classification and characteristics of infrared focal plane array are briefly introduced in this paper. From the two aspects of cooled and uncooled, and according to the mainline of materials and technical parameters, the development status of IRFPA is analyzed, the products and technical characteristics of various types of IRFPA are listed, and its development trend is predicted. Finally, the applications of infrared imaging technology in space remote sensing fields such as environmental detection, imaging reconnaissance and missile warning are summarized, and its application prospect is forecasted.