| Acronym | Meaning |
| LMC | Large Magellanic Cloud |
| ERS | Environmental Research Satellite |
| RTG | Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator |
| PLBD | Payload Bay Doors |
| SSPS | Sky Survey Prototype System |
| UIT | Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope |
| TCM | Trajectory Control Maneuver |
| NRL | Naval Research Laboratory |
| SIXA | Silicon X-ray Array |
| RCC | Reinforced Carbon-Carbon |