| Acronym | Meaning |
| SETI | Search For ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence |
| MBB | Messerschmitt-Belkow-Blohm |
| PHA | Physics And Astronomy |
| ESTEC | European Space Research And Technology Centre |
| LOX | Liquid OXygen |
| PPF | Columbus Polar Platform |
| DSCS | Defense Satellite Communications System |
| MAS | Millimeter-wave Atmospheric Sounder |
| HRSI | High-temperature Reusable Surface Insulation |
| HJD | Helicentric Julian Date |