<p>Because a satellite channel’s ability to resolve hyperspectral data varies with height, an improved channel selection method is proposed based on information content. An effective channel selection scheme for a hyperspectral atmospheric infrared sounder using AIRS data based on layering is proposed. The results are as follows: (1) Using the improved method, the atmospheric retrievable index is more stable, the value reaching 0.54. The distribution of the temperature weight function is more continuous, more closely approximating that of the actual atmosphere; (2) Statistical inversion comparison experiments show that the accuracy of the retrieval temperature, using the improved channel selection method in this paper, is consistent with that of 1Dvar channel selection. In the near space layer especially, from 10 hPa to 0.02 hPa, the accuracy of the retrieval temperature of our improved channel selection method is evidently improved by about 1 K. In general, the accuracy of the retrieval temperature of ICS is improved. Especially, from 100 hPa to 0.01 hPa, the accuracy of ICS can be improved by more than 11 %; (3) Statistical inversion comparison experiments in four typical regions indicate that ICS in this paper is significantly better than NCS and PCS in different regions and shows latitudinal variations. Especially, from 100 hPa to 0.01 hPa, the accuracy of ICS can be improved by 7 % to 13 %, which means the ICS method selected in this paper is feasible and shows great promise for applications.</p>