Satellite Observations of the Earth's Environment

This report addresses the transition of research satellites, instruments, and calculations into operational service for accurately observing and predicting the Earth's 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 Earth's Environment recommends new structures and methods that will allow seamless transitions from research to practice.Table of ContentsFront MatterExecutive Summary1. Introduction2. The Research-to-Operations Context: Bridging the Valleys of Death and Lost Opportunities3. The Impact of Weather and Climate on Society and a Vision for the Future4. Opportunities in Satellite Remote Sensing to Realize the Vision5. Pathways from Research to Operations6. A Mechanism for Achieving Effective Transitions7. Findings and RecommendationsReferencesAppendix A: Previous NRC Recommendations on Transitioning Research to OperationsAppendix B: Case Studies of Transitions from Research to OperationsAppendix C: Future MissionsAppendix D: Biographical Information for Committee MembersAppendix E: Acronyms