In order to reflect the space-based full chain information of the detection process comprehensively and objectively, we proposed a novel modular evaluation metric to discuss the target, background and system independently. It takes the equivalent radiation intensity as the parameter, which can evaluate the detection performance of the system quantitatively. In this paper, taking the fifth-generation American stealth fighter F22 as an example, the mathematical detection model of the space-based infrared system to aircraft targets in the Earth background is described. A modular evaluation metric is proposed. The simulation analyzes the impact of different detection scenes and system parameters on system equivalent irradiance. Furthermore, recommendations for the optimization of the detection system are given. The research results provide a new idea for the analysis of the detection performance of highly maneuverable targets under dynamic backgrounds and have guiding significance for the performance evaluation and parameter design of the infrared detection system.