Infrared spectroscopy has many applications, and the Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) has become an important analytical tool for these purposes. In addition to its use in benign laboratory environments, the FTS has found great acceptance for the difficult tasks of remote sensing of the Earth from satellites, and for space exploration by probes to other planets. This paper provides an overview of the characteristics and applications of many of the spaceborne FTS systems used in the past as well as those on the drawing boards for future use. A discussion of critical design issues is included in addition. A review of Fourier transform spectroscopy principles; a brief history of FTS instrument development; and a discussion of a possible future direction are also provided. An extensive list of references is contained as well. ©1995 American Institute of Physics.