| Acronym | Meaning |
| BATSE | Burst And Transient Source Experiment |
| OAO | Orbiting Astronomical Observatory |
| KPNO | Kitt Peak National Observatory |
| PEM | Payload Electronics Module |
| USO | Ultra-Stable Oscillator |
| UIT | Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope |
| ISO | International Standards Organization |
| MB | Manned Base |
| BMFT | Bundesministerium Fuer Forschung Und Technologie |
| LN2 | Liquid Nitrogen |