We trace the development of catalytic partial oxidation technology for the conversion of natural gas to synthesis gas (CO + H-2) from steam reforming to autothermal reforming to direct oxidation. Synthesis gas which has applications in methanol, ammonia and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis has been conventionally produced by endothermic steam reforming processes in fired tube furnaces. Catalytic partial oxidation is much faster, highly selective in a single reactor, and much more energy efficient. It could thus significantly decrease capital and operating costs of syngas production. In this review, we consider catalysts as well as reactors. Processes, issues and practical difficulties are discussed with academic and industrial efforts presented in parallel. New millisecond contact time direct oxidation processes which eliminate the use of steam and use autothermal reactors orders of magnitude smaller than those used for conventional steam reforming hold promise for commercialization.