| Acronym | Meaning |
| DMSP | Defense Meteorological Satellite Program |
| DSCS | Defense Satellite Communications System |
| MSFC | Marshall Space Flight Center |
| NIST | National Institute For Standards And Technology |
| LC | Launch Complex |
| VECO | Vernier Engine Cutoff |
| IR | InfraRed |
| ATM | Amateur Telescope Maker |
| IRAF | Image Reduction And Analysis Facility |
| IPS | Inertial Pointing System |