Glossary

Space flight involves a lot of technical terms and acronyms. This glossary gives an expansion or brief description of many of those most likely to occur.

AOS
Acquisition of signal
ASCS
Automatic Stabilization and Control System
BECO
Booster Engine Cut-Off
BEF
Blunt end forward
Capsep
Capsule Separation
Drogue
Drogue parachute
A parachute fired before the main parachute, to gain control of the spacecraft after re-entry, providing stability and slowing descent.
FBW
Fly By Wire
LOS
Loss of signal (or line or sight)
MAX Q
Maximum dynamic pressure
The point at which aerodynamic stress on a spacecraft in atmospheric flight is maximized.
MCC
Mercury Control Center
RCS
Reaction control system
RSCS
Rate Stabilization and Control System
SECO
Sustainer Engine Cut-Off
SEF
Sharp end forward
ΔV
Delta V (change in velocity)