(A work in progress)

AMSL – Above Mean Sea Level

ANGEL – Autonomously Navigated Experimental Lander

APRS – Automatic Packet Reporting System

ASL – Above Sea Level (often used interchangeably with MSL or AMSL)

CARP – Computed Air Release Point

CEP – Circular Error Probable

CSBF – Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility

DZ – Drop Zone

GNC – Guidance, Navigation, and Control

GPS – Global Positioning System; Guided Parafoil System

HAHO – High-Altitude, High-Opening

JPADS – Joint Precision Airdrop System(s)

MANPADS – Man Portable Air Defense Systems (HPADS, anyone?)

MSL – Mean Sea Level (often used to indicate that a given altitude is in reference to mean sea level, e.g. “30 km MSL”. “AMSL” or “ASL” may be better alternatives in such cases)

PADS – Precision Aerial Delivery System(s); Precision Airdrop System(s)

PI – Point of Impact; Principal Investigator. (Ideally at two different locations)

SPQR – Small Payload Quick Return

VAST – Vandal Atmospheric Science Team