| Acronym | Meaning |
| ACTS | Advanced Communications Technology Satellite |
| NASA | National Aeronautics And Space Administration |
| ASRM | Advanced Solid Rocket Motor |
| ESPC | European Space Power Conference |
| DSP | Defense Support Program |
| MMT | Multiple Mirror Telescope |
| ROUS | Rodents Of Unusual Size |
| MBB | Messerschmitt-Belkow-Blohm |
| OCTS | Ocean Color And Temperature Scanner |
| IOA | Institute Of Astronomy (Cambridge) |