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)