Compared with the visible to short wave infrared spectrum, hyperspectral remote sensing imaging in the infrared spectrum has unique application advantages, especially in resource exploration, surface environment monitoring, atmospheric environment monitoring and military reconnaissance. Although the infrared hyperspectral imagers are mainly airborne at present, the domestic and foreign institutions have never given up promoting the spaceborne application of infrared hyperspectral remote sensing. Therefore, based on the detailed analysis of the design, implementation and specifications of the primary infrared hyperspectral imagers, this paper first summarizes the characteristics, existing problems and solutions of the current infrared hyperspectral imagers from the three key indexes of spectral resolution, spatial resolution and radiometric resolution. That is, breaking through the technologies of fine spectroscopy, high-sensitivity detectors, low-temperature optics and background radiation suppression are the main technical problems to be solved in the development of infrared hyperspectral imagers in the future. Based on the above, the application of infrared hyperspectral imaging in long distance gas detection is overviewed, and its unique advantages are also analysed. Finally, the development direction of infrared hyperspectral remote sensing imaging is depicted.