Space Terminology and Acronyms

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AU 
Astronomical Unit.
CEV 
Crew Exploration Vehicle
CLV 
Crew Launch Vehicle
Da Stick 
Slang for the CLV proposed by Dr. Griffen for the VSE.
DRM 
Design Reference Mission - NASA's baseline plan for getting to Mars.
EVA 
Extra-Vehicular Activites - Spacewalks
GEO 
Geosynchronous of Geostationary Orbit
HLV 
Heavy Lift Vehicle
ISP 
see Specific impulse
ISPP 
In-Situ Propellant Production
ISS 
International Space Station
ISRU 
In-Situ Recources Utilisation
LEO 
Low Earth Orbit
LSS 
Life Support Systems
MAV 
Martian Ascent Vehicle
MEPAG 
Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group
MCP 
Mechanical Counter Pressure - A kind of spacesuit
MRO 
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
MSL 
Mars Science Laboratory
NEP 
Nuclear Electric Propulsion
NTR 
Nuclear Thermal Rocket
RTG 
Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator
SSTO 
A Single Stage to Orbit rocket
SSME 
Space Shuttle Main Engine
Specific anything 
Means it refers to the amount of one quantity in reference to its mass
Specific Energy 
The amount of energy stored in a quantity of matter, sometimes refered to as its energy density, typicaly measured in MJ/kg
Specific Impulse 
The change in momentum a quantity of fuel can provide, generally measured in the number of secounds 1 kg of fuel can provide 1 G worth of thrust
Specific Power 
The amount of energy a propellant continually produces per unit of mass, measured in W/Kg or kW/kg as appropriate. The mass of the propellant may or may not be included in the equation. Sometimes used to refer to specific thrust.
Specific Thrust 
The amount of thrust a engine can provide per unit of mass, chemical engines do fairly well while most electric are very poor.
TSTO 
A Two Stage to Orbit rocket
TMI 
Trans-Mars Injection - the engine fire which provides the delta-V to transit from Earth to Mars.
VSE
Vision for Space Exploration