| Acronym | Meaning |
| IGY | International Geophysical Year |
| GCVS | General Catalog Of Variable Stars |
| VRM | Venus Radar Mapper |
| NRO | National Reconnaissance Office |
| SDIO | Strategic Defense Initiative Organization |
| NIR | Near InfraRed |
| GNC | Guidance |
| LN2 | Liquid Nitrogen |
| MMT | Multiple Mirror Telescope |
| MITI | Ministry Of International Trade And Industry |