| Acronym | Meaning |
| RCS | Reaction Control System / Revision Control System |
| SMEX | Small EXplorers |
| TOPEX | Ocean Topography Experiment |
| FFT | Fast Fourier Transform |
| CASCA | Canadian Astronomical Society |
| IOBM | In Ocean By Mistake |
| SPDM | Special Purpose Dextrous Manipulator |
| NSF | National Science Foundation |
| ALDP | Advanced Launch Development Program |
| HRSR | High-Resolution Scanning Radiometer |