In view of the requirements of high sensitivity, high detection ability and high signal-to-noise ratio of ground-based space exploration infrared imaging system, cold optical infrared imaging technique was studied. It included infrared Dewar cooling system, internal radiation suppression, rapid cooling of terminal system, development of low temperature infrared detector, room temperature adjustment, low temperature application and other key technologies. Based on the technical breakthrough of various systems, a cold optical infrared terminal with a relative aperture of 1:10, resolution of 320×256, compatible with medium wave 3-5 μm and long wave 8-10 μm band was developed. The system terminal works in 42 K temperature, 10-5 Pa vacuum environment. Docking with 1.23 m ground-based telescopes, a good observation result of moon and infrared stars was achieved. It lays an important foundation for ground-based infrared optical detection technology.