| Acronym | Meaning |
| ESF | European Science Foundation |
| ETM | Enhanced Thematic Mapper |
| OMTF | Optical Modulation Transfer Function |
| ISPRA | N/A |
| ACTS | Advanced Communications Technology Satellite |
| CDR | Critical Design Review |
| GLRS | Geodynamics (or Geoscience) Laser Ranging System |
| SMIC | Study Of Man's Impact On Climate |
| NSCAT | NASA Scatterometer |
| BCAPS | Biological Component Of The Air Pollution Studies |