An introduction is made to the development background, instrument characteristics, development technology, and data product processing of satellite infrared atmospheric sounding interferometers, as well as the comparison with AIRS (Atmospheric Infrared Sounder), taking the superhigh spectrum sounding instrument IASI (Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer) loaded in the European METOP satellite as an example, to thoroughly understand the new characteristics of satellite infrared atmospheric sounding instruments. IASI based on the Michelson interferometer provides abundant information for atmospheric remote sensing, which can be used to retrieve the atmosphere, ocean, clouds, and atmosphere components. In addition, IASI can provide important references for highspectrum infrared vertical atmospheric sounding instruments that will be loaded in Chinese FY satellites.