| Acronym | Meaning |
| A&A | Astronomy And Astrophysics |
| TDT | Terrestrial Dynamic Time |
| ELDO | European Launcher Development Organisation |
| OTA | Optical Telescope Assembly |
| POCC | Payload/Platform Operations Control Center |
| COMSAT | Communications Satellite (Corporation) |
| SHARE | Space Station Heat Pipe Advanced Radiator Element |
| GSFC | Goddard Space Flight Center |
| STS | Shuttle Transport System / Space Transportation System |
| TAU | Thousand Astronomical Unit |