How to understand professional space engineers - this extensive list should provide a thorough understanding of space terminology for users of the LunCo Space sim. Providing insight to the lingo used by everyone from a top level NASA engineer to the average space enthusiast.
Remember, that the space industry is dynamic, so regular updates might be necessary to keep this list current with emerging technologies and practices.
- PCB – Printed Circuit Board
- HW – Hardware
- SW – Software
- TT&C – Telemetry, Tracking, and Command
- TM/TC – Telemetry/Telecommand, essentially the same as TT&C
- FlatSat – Engineering prototype with real hardware connections but not fully assembled
- EPS – Electrical Power System
- OBC – On-Board Computer
- IMU – Inertial Measurement Unit
- ADCS – Attitude Determination and Control System
- PWM – Pulse Width Modulation
- SADA – Solar Array Drive Assembly
- GPS – Global Positioning System (for navigation)
- Star Tracker – Device for determining spacecraft orientation by observing stars
- CAD – Computer-Aided Design
- CAE – Computer-Aided Engineering
- FEA – Finite Element Analysis
- CFD – Computational Fluid Dynamics
- MBSE – Model-Based Systems Engineering
- DT (Digital Twin) – Computer model of a physical system
- BIM – Building Information Modeling
- MDAO – Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization
- DAS – Design Analysis System
- KBE – Knowledge-Based Engineering
- M&S – Modeling and Simulation
- LEO – Low Earth Orbit
- MEO – Medium Earth Orbit
- GEO – Geostationary Orbit
- SSO – Sun-Synchronous Orbit
- HEO – High Earth Orbit or Highly Elliptical Orbit (Note: HEO can refer to both)
- Molniya – A type of Highly Elliptical Orbit with an inclination greater than 63.4 degrees
- LTO – Lunar Transfer Orbit
- MTO – Mars Transfer Orbit
- TLI – Trans-Lunar Injection
- GTO – Geostationary Transfer Orbit
- Hohmann Transfer – Most energy-efficient orbit transfer between two circular orbits
- Escape Velocity – Speed needed to "escape" from the gravitational influence of a body
- Polar Orbit – Orbit that passes over or near both poles of a planet
- Aerobraking – Using atmospheric drag to slow down or change orbit
- PAR – Payload Acceptance Review
- CDR – Critical Design Review
- PDR – Preliminary Design Review
- V&V – Verification & Validation
- RUD – Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly (often humorously used for explosions)
- ISRU – In-Situ Resource Utilization
- SPF – Single Point of Failure
- EVA – Extra-Vehicular Activity (Spacewalk)
- IVA – Intra-Vehicular Activity
- FRR – Flight Readiness Review
- LRR – Launch Readiness Review
- ORR – Operational Readiness Review
- ATLO – Assembly, Test, Launch Operations
- MRR – Mission Readiness Review
- SAR – System Acceptance Review
- Systems engineer – Oversees the integration of all aspects of a space system
- Chemical engineer – Focuses on propulsion systems and materials
- Information engineer – Manages data systems and communication protocols
- Thermal engineer – Deals with heat management in space environments
- Mechanical engineer – Works on structural and mechanical components
- Materials engineer – Develops and selects materials for space applications
- Process engineer – Optimizes manufacturing and operational processes
- Electrical engineer – Designs electrical systems, power, and electronics
- Quantum engineer – Works on quantum technologies for space applications
- Nuclear engineer – Involved in nuclear propulsion or power systems
- Astronautical engineer – Focuses on spacecraft design and operation
- Aerospace engineer – Specializes in the design of aircraft and spacecraft
- Flight Dynamics Engineer – Calculates and plans spacecraft trajectories
- Mission Operations Engineer – Manages spacecraft operations post-launch
- Payload Engineer – Designs and manages satellite or spacecraft payloads
- CLPS – Commercial Lunar Payload Services
- COTS – Commercial Orbital Transportation Services
- CRS – Commercial Resupply Services
- CCP – Commercial Crew Program
- Artemis – NASA's program to return humans to the Moon
- ISS – International Space Station
- JAXA – Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
- ESA – European Space Agency
- CNSA – China National Space Administration
- ISRO – Indian Space Research Organisation
- Gaganyaan – India's human spaceflight program
- Lunar Gateway – International space station planned for lunar orbit
- LOH/LOX – Liquid Hydrogen/Liquid Oxygen
- TEA-TEB – Triethylaluminum-Triethylborane (ignition fluid)
- GN2 – Gaseous Nitrogen
- RP-1 – Rocket-Grade Kerosene
- SRB – Solid Rocket Booster
- SSTO – Single Stage to Orbit
- T-E – Transporter Erector
- MST – Mobile Service Tower
- VAB – Vehicle Assembly Building
- FSS – Fixed Service Structure
- MPS – Main Propulsion System
- AFTS – Auxiliary Flight Thrust System
- HTPB – Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (used in solid rocket motors)
- Ullage Motor – Small rocket used to settle propellants before main engine ignition
- Igniter – Device or system used to start combustion in rocket engines
- S-Band – Frequency band used for satellite communications
- X-Band – Another frequency band for satellite communications, offering higher data rates
- Ka-Band – High frequency band for very high data rate satellite communications
- C-Band – Another frequency band for satellite communications, balancing data rate and weather resilience
- Ku-Band – Frequency band used in satellite communications, particularly for direct-to-home broadcasting
- TDRSS – Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (for relaying data from spacecraft back to Earth)
- DSN – Deep Space Network (for deep space communication)
- PUG – Payload User Guide (e.g., Falcon 9 PUG)
- ICD – Interface Control Document
- IDD – Interface Definition Document
- EDS – Environmental Design Specification
- Data sheet – Document with detailed technical information about a device
- SOW – Statement of Work
- SRD – System Requirements Document
- RFP – Request for Proposal
- SRR – System Requirements Review
- MRD – Mission Requirements Document
- CRD – Concept Requirements Document
- IRD – Interface Requirements Document
- TRL 1: Basic principles observed and reported. This is the lowest level of technology readiness. Scientific research begins to be translated into applied research and development (R&D).
- TRL 2: Technology concept and/or application formulated. Invention begins. Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented. Applications are speculative, and there may be no proof or detailed analysis to support the assumptions.
- TRL 3: Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept. Active R&D is initiated. This includes analytical studies and laboratory studies to physically validate the analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology.
- TRL 4: Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment. Basic technological components are integrated to establish that they will work together. This is relatively "low fidelity" compared with the eventual system.
- TRL 5: Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment. The basic technological components are integrated so they can be tested in a simulated environment.
- TRL 6: System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology's demonstrated readiness. Prototype is tested in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
- TRL 7: System prototype demonstration in an operational environment. Prototype near or at planned operational system. This might mean testing a prototype in space or in a space-like environment.
- TRL 8: Actual system completed and qualified through test and demonstration. The technology has been proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions. In almost all cases, this TRL represents the end of true system development.
- TRL 9: Actual system proven through successful mission operations. The technology is in its final form and operated under the full range of operating conditions. This is the highest level of readiness where the actual application of the technology in its final form and under mission conditions has been fully demonstrated.
- Yaw – Rotation around the vertical axis
- Pitch – Rotation around the side-to-side axis
- Roll – Rotation around the front-to-back axis
- MECO – Main Engine Cut Off
- QD – Quick Disconnect
- SES – Second Engine Start
- SECO – Second Engine Cut Off
- MAXQ or Q – Maximum Dynamic Pressure
- RCS – Reaction Control System
- SAS – Stability Augmentation System
- RF – Radio Frequency
- AOA – Angle of Attack
- GN&C – Guidance, Navigation & Control
- TVC – Thrust Vector Control
- DPS – Descent Propulsion System
- PPS – Plasma Propulsion System
- AOS – Acquisition of Signal
- LOS – Loss of Signal
- Phonetic Alphabet – International Phonetic Alphabet
- NASA REFERENCES – NASA Budget Reference
- Pagheca's Acronyms list – NASA Spaceflight Forum
- COSPAR – Committee on Space Research
- ITU – International Telecommunication Union (for satellite coordination)
- LEOP – Launch and Early Orbit Phase