Glossary of Terms for the Maverick Space Shuttle Simulator
A through D
ADI: (attitude direction indicator) This shows the vertical and horizontal orientation of the shuttle.
APU: (auxiliary power unit) This will provide secondary power for the shuttle's various systems.
ATL: (attitude time line) This describes the chronological sequence of the shuttle's orientations and the times at which those orientations are achieved.
acquiring a target: This just means to take a picture of a place on Earth when the shuttle passes over it.
altitude: This is the distance from the ground that an object is.
Ama Zonis: This is a region found on Mars.
Arsia Mons: This is a volcano found on Mars.
ascending node: This is the point in the shuttle's trajectory where Earth's equatorial plane is crossed in a northbound direction.
ascent: This occurs from the time the shuttle takes off, until it has reached orbit. Basically, it means to go from the ground and fly upward.
BFS: (backup flight system) This is used in case there is a problem with the primary flight system.
briefing: A meeting during which all SMS's and MCS's are told how the mission is supposed to run and what to expect.
CDR: This is the abbreviation used for the Commander.
CO2: This is the scientific symbol used for carbon dioxide, a gas which is a byproduct of various biological processes. At high levels, CO2 is toxic to humans.
CRT: (cathode ray tube) This is another term for a computer screen.
cockpit: This is the area in the shuttle where both the Pilot and Commander sit.
Commander: This is the shuttle officer in charge of all shuttle mission specialists. He/she also maintains the appropriate life-support gas levels in the shuttle.
countdown: This is the time that passes before the shuttle launches; this is also when all pre-flight activities are performed.
DAP: (digital autopilot) This system will control the shuttle without the aid of people.
data log: These are the sheets upon which all the SMS's and MCS's write their collected data and observations.
database: A database is a collection of useful information. The data can be names or numbers. The MCS Medical Officer uses a database to analyze data sent by the Medical SMS.
debriefing: A meeting happening after the mission when the mission's successes and failures are discussed. Possible solutions to any problems are discussed as well.
deorbit: This is the process of the shuttle leaving orbit and returning to Earth.
deorbit burn: This is the process whereby the shuttle's engines are started so it can begin the descent to Earth.
deploy: This word is used when a satellite or some other object is going to be put into space by a shuttle mission specialist.. Quite often, the shuttle's robotic arm is used during a deployment.
descent: This means to move from a higher altitude to a lower altitude.
dewpoint: This is an indication of atmospheric moisture. It is the temperature to which air must be cooled in order to become saturated with moisture.
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