Glossary of Astronautics Terminology

An intelligent comprehension of the rapidly expanding field of astronautics demands availability of ready reference sources of the latest terms which have a particular application in this field. The 9898th Air Reserve Squadron (R&D) of Eau Gallie, Fla., which has many active participants in the daily activities of the Air Force Missile Test Center at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., and the Atlantic Missile Range, has been especially concerned both with the problems of understanding the expanding field of astronautics, and with its responsibility of passing on information on terms which its members are now using in their daily livelihood. The problem of developing a suitable glossary of astronautic terms was made a group project, and when the squadron members examined this problem, and completed their research and discussion, their decisions were submitted to designated leaders. Then the terms were analyzed with respect to peculiarity, and presence in lists of astronautic terms already available. The final list of terms presented here is regarded to be of sufficient interest to anyone having either present or future astronautic activities.