NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS) process to transition satellite products from research to operations is a function of the Satellite Products and Services Review Board (SPSRB). The transition to operations of new satellite products requires approval through the SPSRB process and the SPSRB oversees the transition of enhanced products to operations. The board is responsible for the oversight, guidance and management of the product life cycle process. This includes the product development, transition into operations, enhancements and retirement. There are three distinct ways satellite products can be examined by the SPSRB to transition from research into operations: 1) User Request: users can identify a need for a new or improved satellite based environmental observation or product; 2) Mature Science Development: scientific agencies can identify a maturing scientific development or algorithm thought to provide significant user benefit; and 3) NOAA Program or NESDIS Project Manager Development where NOAA/NESDIS program or project managers can receive requirements to develop new or improved products and they formulate plans to acquire the new capabilities for users.

The SPSRB provides a powerful evaluation mechanism to efficiently use personnel, fiscal information and technology resources. User requests for satellite products are submitted on the SPSRB web site. The user request initiates the process from development to operational implementation of satellite products and systems.

The six key SPSRB process steps are: 1) User Requests; 2) Assessment; 3) Solutions Analysis and Selection; 4) Project Plans and Updates; 5) Operational Decision; and 6) Product Divestiture or Retirement. Each of these key SPSRB steps is presented with examples of successful transition of products from research to operations.