ASTER on TERRA

Question 1

Into what general category of EOS does the instrument fall?

Multispectral

Question 2

What capture technology is used?

Scanning mirror. See: http://asterweb.jpl.nasa.gov/instrument.asp

Question 3

Is the sensor active or passive?

Passive

Question 4

At what wavelength(s) does the sensor function?

ASTER operates in the visible through thermal infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

No correct image.

Question 5

What resolution does the sensor have – temporal and spatial?

Temporal

Unlike the other instruments aboard Terra, ASTER will not collect data continuously; rather, it will collect an average of 8 minutes of data per orbit

Spatial

Varying e.g. DEM has resuolution of 30m. See Q. 9

Question 6

Is the sensor carried on an airborne or spaceborne platform? What is that platform – typically?

Spaceborne

Question 7

Who developed/launched/manages the sensor?

The ASTER instrument was built in Japan for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). A joint United States/Japan Science Team is responsible for instrument design, calibration, and data validation.

Question 8

Can data be purchased from service providers?

Yes. Existing data: Using Earth Observing System Data Gateway (EDG) search and order tools: http://edcimswww.cr.usgs.gov/pub/imswelcome/

A duplicate capability is maintained and operated by Japan at the Ground Data System (GDS): http://imsweb.aster.ersdac.or.jp/ims/html/MainMenu/MainMenu.html

For data over the U.S. and territories, Level 1B data are also available (at no cost) through the LPDAAC Data Pool tool: http://asterweb.jpl.nasa.gov/datapool.asp

Another browse and order tool is the USGS Global Visualization Viewer (GLOVIS): http://asterweb.jpl.nasa.gov/glovis.asp

Question 9

What products are available?

See: http://asterweb.jpl.nasa.gov/data_products.asp

Question 10

At which main application areas is the sensor aimed?

ASTER captures high spatial resolution data in 14 bands, from the visible to the thermal infrared wavelengths; and provides stereo viewing capability for digital elevation model creation. ASTER is being used to obtain detailed maps of land surface temperature, reflectance and elevation. It is also important for cloud studies, surface mapping, soil and geologic studies, volcano monitoring, and investigations of land-use and vegetation patterns.

List 2 specific projects, where they have been reported, their goals and their outcomes.

No projects described