This report is the final product of a Committee on Earth Studies (CES) examination of technical and programmatic issues related to the integration of research and operational Earth observation satellite systems in the support of climate research (see Appendix A for the statement of task). In a brief letter report (“On Climate Change Research Measurements from NPOESS,” May 27, 1998), the committee provided an overview of the many scientific, technical, and programmatic issues associated with integrating the measurement responsibilities of research agencies with those of operational agencies. These issues are analyzed in detail in the committee’s two-part report, Issues in the Integration of Research and Operational.
