National Research Council, Division on Earth and Life Studies, Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board, Space Studies Board, Committee on NASA-NOAA Transition from Research to Operations Satellite Observations of the Earth's Environment

Annotation

This report addresses the transition of research satellites, instruments, and calculations into operational service for accurately observing and predicting the Earths environment. These transitions, which take place in large part between NASA and NOAA, are important for maintaining the health, safety, and prosperity of the nation, and for achieving the vision of an Earth Information System in which quantitative information about the complete Earth system is readily available to myriad users. Many transitions have been ad hoc, sometimes taking several years or even decades to occur, and others have encountered roadblocks"lack of long-range planning, resources, institutional or cultural differences, for instance"and never reached fruition. Satellite Observations of Earths Environment recommends new structures and methods that will allow seamless transitions from research to practice.