N: This is the scientific symbol used for nitrogen, a gas necessary for human life.

NASA: (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) This is the government agency which oversees the the space program in the United States.

NIH: (National Institutes of Health) This national organization researches health issues. They helped develop the program used by the SMS Meteorologist and the SMS Earth Obs to analyze their data.

NM: This is the abbreviation for nautical mile.

nadir: This is the point on Earth directly below the shuttle at any given time.

nautical mile: This is equivalent to a distance covered by an arc-minute of longitude on the Earth's equator. It is equal to approximately 1.9 kilometers.

navigator: This individual is a MCS who keeps track of major events during the shuttle's launch. He/she is also responsible for recording the shuttle's position over Earth while it is in orbit.

Nebraska Historical MCS: This person interprets the data sent by the NE Historical SMS.

Nebraska Historical SMS: This person is responsible for looking at satellite data of Omaha and researching different sites which are historically important.

"nogo": This is the response used by both MC and SM specialists if they are not ready for the shuttle's launch.

O: This is the scientific symbol used for oxygen which is needed for human life.

OMS: (orbital maneuvering system) These are the small engines used to maneuver the shuttle while it is in orbit.

Olympus Mons: This is the LARGEST volcano in our solar system. It is on Mars.

orbit : While the shuttle is in space, this is the path it takes around Earth.

orbit number: This is a running count of the number of times the shuttle has crossed the Earth's equator in the ascending node.

orientation: This describes the shuttle's position in space at any given time.

"over": This term is used by people who are communicating with one another. It means, "I am done with what I was saying, now it's your turn."

PAO: (public affairs officer) This person "roams" around during the mission. At that time, he/she will take pictures of the crews and interview various people. After he/she is done, the PAO assembles the information on a computer program for a presentation.

PSI: (pounds per square inch) This is used to measure the pressure exerted by a gas or liquid. Normal air pressure on Earth is about 14.2 psi.

Payload MCS: This person helps to guide the Payload SMS in his/her duties.

Payload SMS: This person inspects and prepares satellites for both deployment and capture.

Pilot: This SMS actually flies the shuttle after launch until it reaches orbit.

pitch: The pitch describes the angle of the shuttle's axis running from the left side to the right as it relates to the horizon. When you nod your head up and down, you are adjusting its pitch.

pixel: This describes one of the tiny dots which makes up a computer screen. Pixel is a combination of the words picture and element.

position: This term describes where the shuttle is. Latitude, longitude, and altitude are all used to describe the shuttle's position.