| Acronym | Meaning |
| APU | Auxiliary Power Unit |
| MLS | Microwave Limb Sounder |
| NTR | Nuclear Thermal Rocket(ry) |
| APT | Automatic Photoelectric Telescope |
| HTVL | Horizontal Takeoff Vertical Landing |
| IOTA | Infrared-Optical Telescope Array |
| USMP | United States Microgravity Payload |
| IUE | International Ultraviolet Explorer |
| SID | Sudden Ionospheric Disturbance |
| GSO | GeoSynchronous Earth Orbit |