Anticipated performance of ASTER instrument in EM design phase

ASTER is an advanced multispectral optical imager with a high spatial resolution, and covers a wide spectral region from visible to thermal infrared. In addition, ASTER has a stereoscopic viewing capability in the along-track direction. Excellent observational performances are expected by trying several technical challenges. High radiometric resolutions will be achieved by employing pushbroom scanning in visible, near infrared, and short wave infrared bands without sacrificing spatial resolutions. An adoption of active coolers will enhance the performance of short wave and thermal infrared bands. Major predicted observational performances of ASTER in the EM design phase are described.