| Acronym | Meaning |
| IPAC | Infrared Processing & Analysis Center |
| ROUS | Rodents Of Unusual Size |
| DRSS | DATA Relay Satellite System |
| RAL | Rutherford-Appleton Laboratory |
| AXAF | Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility |
| IR | InfraRed |
| PN | Planetary Nebula |
| APM | Attached Pressurized Module (a.k.a. Columbus) |
| ELDO | European Launcher Development Organisation |
| HAO | High Altitude Observatory |