| Acronym | Meaning |
| AIRS | Atmospheric Infrared Sounder |
| SDI | Strategic Defense Initiative |
| OSCAR | Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio |
| ISO | Infrared Space Observatory |
| AIAA | American Institute Of Aeronautics And Astronautics |
| MIMR | Multifrequency Imaging Microwave Radiometer |
| ASI | Agenzia Spaziale Italiano |
| FIR | Far InfraRed |
| UARS | Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite |
| DMR | Differential Microwave Radiometer |