radiation: Radiation comes in many forms. It is used to describe the waves of electromagnetic energy that are emitted by various things. For example, UV rays and the x-rays used to look at bones are forms of radiation.. Also, the light given off by a lightbulb is a form of radiation. So, some radiation you can see and some you can't. In addition, some radiation is very harmful while some is not.

SMS: (shuttle mission specialist) This is any one of the individuals in the shuttle.

SRB: (solid rocket boosters) These are the two very long rockets on the sides of the shuttle's external fuel tank. They provide enough thrust to allow the shuttle to escape most of Earth's gravity. They use a solid fuel rather than a liquid fuel. The SRB's drop off about 2 minutes into the flight and are are used over and over again.

STS: (space transportation system) This is the name given to the shuttle program. Each mission flown has its own STS number.

sensors: These devices collect data for the Meteorologist.

solar: This word is used to describe anything associated with the Sun.

Tanais Albedo: This is a region on Mars.

throttle: This adjusts the thrust of the shuttle's three main engines. It can be controlled by either the pilot or the computer.

thrust: This describes the amount of power a rocket or jet has to propel itself.

trajectory: On Earth, this is the path that any projectile like the shuttle will follow.

UV: (ultraviolet) This is a very harmful type of radiation which is emitted by the Sun. On Earth, you use sunscreen to prevent these rays from damaging your skin and causing skin cancer.

Valles Marineris: This is a giant canyon on Mars. It is much deeper and larger than Earth's own Grand Canyon. As a matter of fact, the whole United States would fit in it!

voice check: This is used by both the SMS's and the MCS's to make sure they have good communication with one another.

yaw: This descibes the shuttle's movement about a top-to-bottom axis which runs through the middle of the shuttle. When you turn your head from side to side, you are adjusting its yaw.