| Acronym | Meaning |
| NOAO | National Optical Astronomy Observatories |
| TDRS | Tracking And Data Relay Satellite |
| RIACS | Research Institute For Advanced Computer Science |
| HEAO | High Energy Astronomical Observatory |
| AXAF | Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility |
| MTFF | Columbus Man-Tended Free-Flyer |
| SLAP | Space Link Access Protocol |
| GEO | Geosynchronous Earth Orbit |
| DFRC | Dryden Flight Research Center |
| ETE | End-to-End |