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APOLLO
T RMINOLOGY

AUGUST 1963

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T RMINOLOGY

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Prepared for Office of Manned Space Flight

PUBLISHED BY

.Office of Scientific and Technical lnJormation 1963

SPACE ADMINISTRATION
_,NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND
'_Yashington, D.C.
For sale by Office of Technical Services, Department of Commerce,
Washington, D.C. Price $2.75
 PRE FACE

Apollo Terminology definitions presented herein are in-

tended to provide Apollo program participants with an updated

collection of terminology used on the Apollo program. Nothing

contained herein shall be construed to modify or effect in any

way any existing contract or subcontract.

This publication will be maintained current by periodic

supplements or revisions. Forms are provided in the back of

this publication to provide the user with a simple and effective

means of submitting comments, recommendations for additions,

deletions, or revisions to Apollo Terminology. Comments re-

garding Apollo Terminology are solicited and should be for-

warded to:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Code MII-E
Washington, D.C. 20546

Requests for additional copies of this publication for use

by NASA activities should be forwarded to:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Code AFSS-A
Washington, D.C. 20546
ABLATION and identified articles, or approves specific services
Sublimation, vaporization, or melting of a surface material rendered as partial or complete performance of the contract.
due to heating resulting from a fluid moving past it at high S_e-probability o/acceptance
speed. This phenomenon is often used to protect a structure
from overheating by providing an expendable ablation sur- ACCEPTANCE INSPECTION

face, such as the heat shield on a reentry vehicle, or a pro- Examination and testing, to determine conformance of the
tective coating in a combustion chamber. supplies or services to certain specified requirements,
which serve as a basis for acceptance.
ABLE
Upper stage of a launch vehicle based on either Thor or ACCEPTANCE NUMBER
Atlas missiles. The largest number of defectives (or defects) in the sample
or samples under consideration that will permit the accept-
ABORT ance of the inspection lot.
Premature and abrupt termination of a mission because of
existing or imminent degradation of mission success
probability. ACCEPTANCE SAMPLING

See-pad abort The art or science that deals with procedures in which de-
cisions to accept or reject lots or processes are based on
the examination of samples.
ABORT MODE
The technique employed for abort.
ACCEPTANCE SAMPLING PLAN
ABSOLUTE MINIMUM POINT A specific plan which states the sample sizes, and the
In statistics a point at which the value of the function is criteria for acceptance, rejection, or the taking of another
less than at any other point Ln the entire region being sample.
considered.
ACCEPTANCE TEST
ACC Test to determine conformance to design or specifications
Acceptance. as a basis for acceptance. When specially designed they
may apply to parts, equipments or systems.
ACCELEROMETER See-component acceptance test
An instrument which measures acceleration or qravitional /light acceptance test
forces capable of imparting acceleration. statistical acceptance test
See-pulsed integrating pendulum accelerometer vehicle acceptance test

ACCEPTABLE ENVIRONMENTAL RANGE TEST ACCESSIBILITY

Test to determine the range of the environmental conditions A quality of design that permits ready access for testing,
in which an equipment has a reliability at least as high as fault detection, and repair or replacement.
required.
ACCESSORY ACCRY

ACCEPTABLE QUALITY LEVEL AQL A part, subassembly or assembly designed for use in con-
A nominal value expressed in terms of percent defective or junction with or to supplement another assembly, unit, or
defects per hundred units, whichever is applicable, speci- set. ,an accessory contributes to the effectiveness of the
fied for a given group of defects of a product, assembly or set thereof without extending or varying the
basic function.
ACCEPTABLE RELIABILITY LEVEL ARL
ACCRY
A nominal value expressed in terms of percent failure per
thousand operating hours specified for acceptance of parts Accessory.
or equipment. It is a measure of reliability which will be
ACE
accepted, some preassigned percentage of the time, by a
reliability sampling plan. Automatic Checkout Equipment

ACCEPTANCE ACC ACHIEVED RELIABILITY

The act of an authorized representative of the Government The reliability demonstrated by the physical item. It con-

by which the Government assents to ownership of existing sists of inherent reliability with any degradation that
ACOUSTIC VELOCITY

occurs in manufacture, shipping, handling, storage, mainten- ADVANCED SCHEMATIC

ance, or use, Statement of achieved reliability must include A schematic diagram that additionally identifies connections
specifications of conditions under which demonstrated. and ternnnals, but still without giving physical locations of
components.
ACOUSTIC VELOCITY
The speed of propagation of sound waves. Also called ADVANCED SYNCOM
speed of sound. An advanced 24-hourorbit,wideband, active-repeater,
communications satellite,
capable of transmittingup to
ACOUSTIC VIBRATION 4 TV channels or severalhundred two-way radiochannels.
Vibration, with respect to operational environments, trans- Tentatively scheduled for launch in 1965 and 1966.
mitted through a gas. The vibration may be sonic, subsonic,
or ultrasonic. ADVANCED SYSTEMS
A composite of equipment, skills, and techniques used as a
ACOUSTICAL NOISE vehicle for advancing technology. Design, development,
A vibration of audible frequency. and construction of advanced systems are directed toward
extending scientific knowledge and early attainment of an
ACPM operational capability.
AttitudeControlPropulsion Motors.
AEC
ACTIVE REPEATER SATELLITE Atomic Energy Commission.
A communications satellite which, using on-board power
supplies, receives, amplifies, and retransmits radio signals' AEDC
from ground terminals. Arnold Engineering Development Center.

ACTUAL FIT
The relationshipexistingbetween them with respectto the AEROBALLISTICS
amount of clearance or interferencewhich ispresentwhen Term derivedfrom aerodynamics and ballistics, dealing
they are assembled. primarilywith the motion of bodies whose flightpath is
determinedby applyingthe principlesof both sciences to
ACTUAL SIZE different
portionsof the path.
Measured size.

AEROBIOLOGY
ACTUAL WEIGHT The study of the distribution of living organisms freely
Wezqht of a part determined by weiglung-in after assembly. suspended in the atmosphere.

ACTUATOR
See-gimballed actuator AERODUCT
rotary hydraulic actuator A ramjet-type engine designed to scoop up ions and
electrons freely available in the outer reaches of the atmos-
phere or in the atmospheres of other spatial bodies. A chem-
ADAPTER SKIRT ical process withinthe duct of thisengine expels particles
A flange or extension of a space vehicle stage or section derivedfrom the ions and electronsas a propulsivejet
thatprovides a ready means forfittingsome object,such stream.
as another stage or sectionto it.

AERODYNAMIC HEATING
ADAPTIVE CONTROL SYSTEM The heating of a body by the high speed passage of air or
Control system which is capable of adjusting its parameters other gases over the body, caused by friction and by com-
to meet changing performance requirements. pression processes.

AERODYNAMIC VEHICLE
ADDITIVE A device, such as an airplane or glider, capable of flight
A substance added to a base to achieve some purpose such within a sensible atmosphere and relying on aerodynamic
as a more even rate of combustion in a propellant, or forces to maintain flight.
improved lubrication properties of working fluids such as
RP-1 etc. AERODYNAMICS
Science of motion of bodies relative to the air and the forces
ADP acting on the bodies, especially in flight through the air.
Automatic Data Processing.
AEROELASTICITY
ADVANCED SATURN The study of the effect of aerodynamic forces on elastic
Previous designation for Saturn V. bodies.
 AIR FORCE BALLISTIC SYSTEMS DIVISION

AEROEMBOLISM AFB
(1) The formation or liberation of gases in the blood vessels Air Force Base.
of the body, as brought on by a change from a relatively
high atmospheric pressure to a lower one. AFBSD
(2) The disease or condition caused by the formation or Air Force Ballistic Systems Division.
liberation of gases in the body. The disease is charac-
terized principally be neuralgic pains, cramps, and swell- AFCS
ing which sometimes results in death. Also called decom- Automatic Flight Control System.
. pression sickness.
AFMTC
AEROLITE AirForce Missile Test Center.
A meteorite composed principally of stony material.
AFRM
AEROMEDICINE Advanced Flight Research Model.
Alternate for aerospace medicine.
AFSC
AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS DIVISION ASD Air Force Systems Command.
Division of the Air Force Systems Command, located at
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Responsible for AFSSD
aircraft and air launched missile programs assigned to the Air Force Space Systems Division.
Air Force for conducting research and development, test,
evaluation in aerodynamics, human factors, materials, AFTERBURNING
electronics, and aerospace sciences. Formerly culled Irregular burning of fuel left in the firing chamber of a
Wright Air Development Division. rocket after fuel cutoff.

AGANI
AERONOMY Apollo Guidance and Navigation Information.
The study of the atmosphere, especially its relation to the
Earth and the effect upon it of bombardment by radiation AGARD
from space. Advisory Group forAeronauticalResearch and Development.

AEROPAUSE
A region of indeterminate limits in the upper atmosphere, AGAVE
considered as a boundary or transition region between the Automatic Gh-nballed Antenna VectoringEquipment.
denser portion of the atmosphere ann space.

AEROS AGC
Meteorological satellite in stationary orbit (NIMBUS Apollo Guidance Computer.
fallow-on).

AEROSPACE GROUND EQUIPMENT AGE AGE

All equipments required on the ground to make an aerospace Aerospace Ground Equipment.
system operational in its intended environment.
AGGD
AEROSPACE MEDICINE Apollo Guidance Ground Display.
That branch of medicine dealing with the effects of flight
through the atmosphere or in space upon the human body, AGNIS
and with the prevention or cure of physiological or psycho- Apollo Guidance and Navigation Industrial Support.
logical malfunctions arising from these effects.
See-space medicine AGRAVIC
Unaffectedby gravitation,
weightless.
AEROSPACE VEHICLE
A manned or unmanned vehicle which may be operated either AIR BREAKUP
in atmosphere or in space. Disintegration of a vehicle by aerodynamic forces upon its
reentry into the atmosphere. May be induced deliberately
"AEROTHERMODYNAMIC BORDER to reduce the impact velocity of test records and instruments
An altitude at about 100 miles, above which the atmosphere to be recovered.
is so rarefied that the mobon of an obiect through it at high
speeds generates no significant surface heat. AIR FORCE BALLISTIC SYSTEMS DIVISION AFBSD
Division of the Air Force Systems Command, located at
AEROTHERMODYNAMICS Inglewood, Calif., responsible for Atlas, Titan, and Minute-
The study of the aerodynamic and thermodynamic problems man Intercontinental Ballistic-Mzssite Programs, including
connected with aerodynamic heating. activation of missile sites.
AIR FORCE SPACE SYSTEMS DIVISION

AIR FORCE SPACE SYSTEMS DIVISION AFSSD ALLOWANCE

Division of the Air Force Systems Command, located at The prescribed difference between themaximum material
Inglewood, Calif., responsible for military space programs. condition of mating parts. It is the minimum clearance
Assigned to the Air Force and used for development projects (positive allowance) or maximum interference (negative,
in support of the Army, Navy, and National Aeronautics and allowance) between such parts.
Space Administration. Formerly called Ballistic Missile
Division. ALOUETTE
US-Canada ionospheric research satellite (part of Topside
AIR FORCE SYSTEMS COMMAND AFSC Sounder).
Major command of the Air Force, headquartered at Andrews
AFB, Md., responsible for research, development, procure- ALTERNATE MISSION
ment, checkout, and delivery to the using command of A secondary flight plan which may be selected when the
Aerospace Weapon Systems and Equipment. Formerly called primary flight plan has been abandoned for any reason other
Air Research and Development Command. than abort.

AIR SHOWER AMAL

A grouping of cosmic-ray particles observed in the Aviation Medical Acceleration Laboratory (USN).
atmosphere.

AIR SOUNDING
The act of measuring atmospheric phenomena or determining AMBIENT CONDITION
atmospheric conditions at altitude, especially by means of Environmental conditions such as pressure, temperature,
apparatus carried by balloons or rockets. etc., which are normal for the location under discussion.

AIR-BREATHING ENGINE
An engine which requires the intake of air for combustion of
the fuel, as in a ramjet or turbojet. This is contrasted with AMES RESEARCH CENTER ARC
the rocket engine which carries its own oxidizer and can This NASA center, located at Moffett Field, Mountain View,
operate beyond the atmosphere. Calif., conducts basic and applied research on
aerodynamics of reentry vehicles, flight control of space
AIRFOIL DIVERGENCE vehicles and aircraft, and space environment physics. NASA
The static torsional instability which occurs when the air- life sciences advanced research and technology has been
foil structural rigidity is exceeded by aerodynamic twisting assigned to Ames Research Center.
effects.
AMR
AIRFRAME Atlantic Missile Range.
The assembled principal structural and aerodynamic compo-
nents of a vehicle, less propulsion systems, control and ANACOUSTIC ZONE
guidance equipments, and payloads. The airframe includes Zone of silence in space. The region of altitude where
only the basic structure, that is, the space frame on which distances between rarefied air molecules are so great that
equipment is mounted. sound waves are not propagated.

ANALOG COMPUTER
AIRGLOW A computing machine that works on the principle of measur-
The visible light, appearing at night, in the upper atmosphere ing (as distinguished from counting) in which the input data
that results from energy released by dissociated molecules are made analogous to a measurement continuum, such as
and ionized atoms which had absorbed energy from solar voltage, linear lengths, resistance, light intensity, etc.,
radiation during the daytime. which can be manipulated by computer.

ANALYSIS
ALBEDO See--failure mode analysis
The ratio of the amount of electomognetic radiation reflected failure mode analysis
by a body to the amount falling upon it, commonly expressed /unction analysis
as a percentage. maintenance analysis
mission annlysis
task analysis
ALGA
(Usually plural, algae). Unicellular and multicellular plants ANALYTIC MODEL
considered as a potential source of food and oxygen in a A mathematical model which is represented by continuous,
closed ecological system for space vehicles. dlfferentiable equations.

ALIGNMENT SYSTEM ANECHOIC

See--uertical alignment system Without echoes.
 APOLLO PROJECT DIRECTIVE

ANGLE
OFATTACK ANTIMATTER
The acute angle between a reference line in a body and the Matter theoretically considered to exist, consisting of
line of relative wind direction, projected on a plane contain- antiatoms.
ing the reference line and parallel to the axis of symmetry.
AOQ
ANGSTROM Average Outgoing Quality.
A unit of length, used chiefly in expressing short wave-
lengths. Ten billion angstroms equal one meter. AOQL
Average Outgoing Quality Limit.
ANGULAR DIMENSIONING
A method for indicating the position of a point, line or Ai,
surface by means of a linear dimension and angle, other than Auto Pilot.
the 90 percent angle implied by the horizontal and vertical
center lines. APERTURE CARD
A file or tabulating card with a rectangular hole specifically
ANHYDROUS designed for the mounting of a film image or images.
Free of water.
APHELION
ANNULAR ECLIPSE The point at which a planet or other celestial object, in its
A_n eclipse in which a thin ring of the source of light orbit about the sun, is farthest from the sun.
appears around the obscunng body.
APOCYNTHION
ANNULAR SPACE The point in an elliptical orbit about the moon at which an
Term refers to the space between the walls of a thermos orbiting vehicle is farthest away from the moon.
jug, dewar, or storage tank, such as a LOX or LH-2 (liquid
hydrogen), storage tank. APOGEE
A point on the orbit of a body which is at the greatest dis-
ANOMALISTIC PERIOD tance from the center of the earth.
The interval between two successive perigee passages of
a satellite in orbit about a primary. Also called perigee- APOGEE ROCKET
to-perigee period. A rocket attached to a satellite or spacecraft designed to
fire when the craft is at apogee, the point farthest from the
ANOXIA Earth in orbit. The effect of the apogee rocket is to estab-
An absence of oxygen in the blood, cells or tissues of the lish a new orbit farther from the Earth or to allow the craft
body. A condition which rarely exists, hypoxia is the more to escape from Earth orbit.
perferable term.
APOLLO
ANTHROPOMETRY A term generally used to describe the NASA Manned Lunar
The science of measuring the human body, its parts and Landing Program but specifically used to describe the effort
functional capacities. devoted to the development test and operation of the space
vehicle for long duration, Earth orbit, circumlunar, and lunar
ANTI-G SUIT landing flights.
A tight fitting suit that covers parts of the body below the
heart. It is designed to retard the flow of blood to the lower APOLLO GUIDANCE AND
body in reaction to acceleration or deceleration. Bladders NAVIGATION INFORMATION AGANI
or other devices are used to inflate and increase body con- A communication medium giving technical information on all
striation as G force increases. aspects of the Apollo work at Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT). It is a working document for allpersonnel
ANTIATOM of the laboratory who have need to refer to authoritative
Postulated elemental particle consisting of a negative Apollo data.
nucleus with positive electrons in orbit. The atom of the
known world consists of a positive nucleus with negative APOLLO GUIDANCE COMPUTER AGC
electrons in orbit. A general purpose computer incorporating fixed and erasable
memory storage.
ANTICRITICALITY CONCEPT
A concept for a safety measure that prevents too rapid an APOLLO GUIDANCE GROUND DISPLAY AGGD
energy release from a nuclear reaction so that a dangerous Ground support equipment (GSE) to display and record
state may not be reached by the reactor. guidance information transmitted via the operational com-
munication link.
ANTIGRAVITY
A hypothetical effect that would arise from some energy APOLLO PROJECT DIRECTIVE
field's cancellation of the effect of the gravitational field A consolidated summary of the objectives, management
of the Earth or other body. structure, policies, and schedules for the project, required
 APOLLO SPACECRAFT

in order to assure technical, managerial, and administrative ARTIFICIAL ENVIRONMENT

control. The state or conditions produced in a controlled test space
which generates a simulated natural environment as an input
APOLLO SPACECRAFT to the equipment under going test. "
The vehicle required to perform the Apollo mission after
separation of the final launch stage. It consists of the com- ARTIFICIAL EARTH SATELLITE
mand module (CM], the service module (SM), the lunar excur- A man-made Earth satellite, as distinguished from the Moon.
sion module (LEM), the launch escape system (LES), and Usually called Earth satellite.
the spacecraft adapter.
ARTIFICIAL GRAVITY
APPROVED PART A simulated gravity established within a space vehicle, as
A part considered acceptable for an application based on by rotating a cabin about an axis of a spacecraft. The cen-
engineering evaluation and past useage, but which has not trifugal force generated being similar to the force of gravity.
passed a qualification test.
ASCS
APPROVED PARTS AND MATERIAL LIST Automatic Stabilization and Control System.
A list of all parts and materials that are approved for the
application intended. The list includes equipment qualified A.SIS
either as a part of the program in question or from previous Abort Sensing and Implementation System.
programs.
ASME
APU American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Auxiliary Power Unit.
ASN
AQL Average Sample Number.
Acceptable Quality Level.
ASPIRATOR
ARC Any device used as a suction pump, for producing the move-
Ames Research Center. ment of fluids by suction.

ARC-JET ASPO
An electric rocket system in which a gas is heated by being Apollo Spacecraft Project Office. (NASA/MSC)
passed through an electric arc and accelerated through a
nozzle, similar to a chemical rocket nozzle, to produce ASSEMBLY ASSY
thrust. A number of parts or subassemblies or any combination
thereof joined together to perform a specific function.
ARIEL See-cable assembly
US--Urdted Kingdom ionospheric research satellite. detail assembly drawing
harness assembly
inseparable assembly drawing
ARL interdependent assembly or unit of equipment
Acceptable Reliability Level. major assembly
minor assembly
ARM nondependent assembly or unit o[ equipment
See-lmmcb support and bolddoum arm permanently/astened assembly drawing
launcb support arm
umbilical service arm ASSEMBLY DRAWING
umbilical swing arm Depicts the assembled relationship of two or more items or
a group of items and assemblies, or a group of assemblies
ARMING TOWER required to make up an assembly.
A steel tower like structure which will be used for installa- See-cable assembly drawing
tion of space vehicle ordnance items and may be used for detail assembly drawing
loading the space vehicle hypergolic storable propellants inseparable assembly drawing
and the spacecraft high purity LOX and LH-2 (liquid permanently fastened assembly drawing
hy&ogen).
ASSIGNABLE CAUSE
ARRANGEMENT DRAWING A factor contributing to the variation in quality and is
Shows project.ton or perspective of items, with or without economically feasible to identify. Assignable causes must
controlling dimensions, to indicate their relationship. be identified and removed to attain statistical control.

ARTICLE ASSOCIATE CONTRACTOR

A unit of hc_dware, or any portion thereof, required by the The contractorwho under directcontractto NASA performs
contract. work excluded from the principalcontract.The associate
 ATTACHMENT

contractorisresponsibleto the principalcontractorfor ASTROPHYSICS

technicalintegration
of the (sub) system and must coordi- The study of the physical and chemical nature of celestial
nate technicaldevelopments and requirementsin a t/mely bodies and their environments.
and organizedmanner. The associatecontractoris directly
responsibletoNASA foradministrative and contractual ASTROTRACKER
matters. Instrumentation required for celestial navigation aboard a
spacecraft.
ASSY
Assembly. ATI
.Average total inspection.
ASTEROID
One of the many small celestial bodies revolving around the ATLANTIC MISSILE RANGE AMR
Sun, most of the orbits being between Mars and Jupiter. An instrumented missile test range extending some 5000 to
Also called planetoid or minor planet. 6000 miles from Cape Canaveral, Florida toa point beyond
ascension auxiliary AFB. It includes a series of island
ASTIA based tracking stations and ocean range vessels to gather
Armed Services Technical Information Agency. performance data.

ASTRIONICS ATMOSPHERE
Electromcs as applied especially to astronauUcs. The body of air surrounding the earth. Also the body of
gases surrounding or comprisingany planet or other celestial
ASTRO body.
A prefix meaning star or stars and, by extension, sometimes See-cytberean atmosphere
used as the equivalent of celestial, as in astronautics. e[[ectiue atmosphere

ASTROBIOLOGY ATMOSPHERIC BRAKING

A branch of biology concerned with the discovery or study The action of atmospheric drag in decelerating a body that
of life on planets. is approaching a planet. Can be deliberately used, where
sufficient atmosphere exists, to decrease the vehicle veloc-
ity before landing.
ASTRODYNAMICS
The practical application of celestial mechanics, astrobal- ATMOSPHERIC REFRACTION
listics, propulsion theory, and allied fields to the problem Refract/on of light from a distant point by the atmosphere,
of planning and directing the trajectories of space vehicles. caused by its passing obliquely through varying air
densities.

ASTROGATION ATMOSPHERIC TRAJECTORY

ContracUon of astronavigation. That portionof the return mission from orbital condition
which is conducted within the atmosphere.

ASTROMETRICS
A branch of astronomy concerned with the measurements of ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION AEC
celestial bodies and the determination of their movements The U. S. Civilian Governmental Agency, established by the
and positions. Atomic Energy Act of 1946, to supervise and control the
production of nuclear-fissionable radioactive materials in
ASTRONAUT the United States.
One who navigates through space.
ATOMIC LATTICE
ASTRONAUTICS The arrangement of particles on the atomic nuclei to form a
The science and technoloqy of space flight. crystal.

ASTRONAVIGATE ATOMIC ROCKET ENGINE

To guide and direct a spacecraft from within the vehicle, Projected rocket engine in which energy for the jet stream
by means of observations on celestial bodies. would be generated by atomic fission or fusion.

ASTRONOMICAL UNIT ATTACHING DEVICES

The mean distance between the Earth and the Sun. Approxi- Those parts, such as bolts, rivets, clamps, etc. which are
mately 93,000,000 miles. used to affix one part, component, assembly or installation
to another.
ASTRONOMY
See-galactic astronomy ATTACHMENT
radar astronomy A part, subassembly or assembly designed for use in con-
radio astronomy junction with another assembly or a unit or set, contributing
ATTITUDE

to the effectiveness thereof by extending or varying the AUTOMATIC GROUND CONTROL STATION
basic function of the assembly unit or set. A concrete structure located beneath the launch pad.
It contains a portion of the check-out equipment necessary to
ATTITUDE perform vehicle prelaunch tests, serves as a distribution,,
The position of a vehicle or craft etc., as determined by the point for cables, provides space for vehicle test power equip-
inclination of its axis to some frame of reference. If not ment, and serves as a distribution point for all high pressure
otherwise specified, this frame of reference is fixed to the gases.
earth.
AUTOMATIC OPERATION
ATTITUDE CONTROL PROPULSION MOTORS ACPM An automatic process in which .'_ series of mechanical
Vernier engines that are used to control attitude of the actions are caused to occur m _ pre-selected pattern or
spacecraft. They ore part of the reaction control system sequence. To be distinguished fro,u, automatic control which
(Rcs). involves a feedback loop.

ATTITUDE-CONTROL SYSTEM AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT

A system within the flight-control system to maintain the Equipment used in support of a prince eluipment but is not
desired attitude of a vehicle. permanently attached to prime equipment. Auxiliary equip-
ment is essential for the proper functiomng of the prime
ATTRIBUTE equipment.
A characteristic or property which can be appraised only in
terms of whether it does or does not exist. AUXILIARY POWER UNIT APU

See--inspection by attributes A separate electrical or hyJr.mhc power supply unit, either

method o[ attributes engine or turbine driven, used to furnish the electrical and
hydraulic requirements of a spacecraft.
ATTRIBUTES TESTING
Testing to determine the qualities of an item with regard to AVAILABLE TIME
determining the presence or absence of some characteristic Time measured from the correction of a malfunction or the
or attribute. ending of preventive maintenance, to the next succeeding
malfunction or the next preventive maintenance action.
AUGMENTOR
A duct usually enclosing the exhaust jet behind the nozzle AVERAGE LIFE
exit section to provide increased thrust. The mean value for a normal distribution of e_ipment life-
cycle. Generally applied to mechanical failures resulting
from wear-out.
AURORA
The sporadic visible emission from the upper atmosphere AVERAGE OUTGOING QUALITY LIMIT AOQL
over middle and high latitudes. Also called "Northern Themaximum average outgoing tu_lity (AOG) for a sampling
Lights". plan.

AVERAGE SAMPLE NUMBER ASN

AUTO PILOT AP The average number of sample units inspected per lot in
An assembly, containing gyros with rotating mass, that is reaching a decision to accept or to reject.
vehicle fixed and referenced to the vehicle, and supplies
attitude signals to the vehicle control system. AVERAGE TOTAL INSPECTION ATI
The average number of units inspected per lot, including all
units in rejected lots (applicable when the procedure calls
AUTO-IGNITING PROPELLANT for lO0 percent inspection of rejected lots).
Any liquid propellant that ignites, with a small time delay,
at room temperature. AVIONICS
Contraction of aviation electronics.
AUTO-IGNITION-TEMPERATURE
The temperature at which combustible materials ignite AXIS
spontaneously in air. See--inner gimbal axis
longitudinal axis
AUTOMATICGIMBALLEDANTENNA outer gimbal axis
VECTORINGEQUIPMENT AGAVE
A device used to assist in the acquisition of a target by a AZIMUTH
narrowbeam radar. It can be used, with modifications, as a Horizontal direction or bearing
telemetry receiving antenna.
 B
B/M allowance of the shaft and the tolerances of t,_le m_tmg
Bill of material. parts.

BACK PACK BASIC NAME

Self-contained extra-vehicular pressure suit support system. A slngte word or a :nlnl: ;urn number _ : ,'.'_r._s ,'nlCt_ estat,-
lishes the basic concept of an lte;_..
BACKOUT

Step-by-step reversal of procedures from J specihc point BASIC OVERALL POLARITY BOP
during a countdown. Refers to the overall sy_te:', polarity from inertial input
to control acturator deilecnon.
BACKUP ITEM
An additional Rein under development to perform the general BASIC SHAFT SYSTEM
functions of another Rein under development. The item may A system of his it. wn;ch !I:e ::_ :xur;un i.,r:nt of each hole
be secondary to an idenufied primary item or a parallel size is basic, The fit aestrea is obt,nned by varying the
development to enhance the probabihty of success in per- allowance of the nob and the tolermtces of the mating parts.
forming the general function.
BASIC SIZE
BALLISTIC TRAJECTORY The basic size ]s that irom which tn ,= }lmits oI size are
The trajectory followed by a body bemq acted upon only by derived by the apphcat:on of allow,m_ces and tolerances.
gravitational forces and the resistance of the medmm through
which it passes. BATTERY

See-gas storage battery

BALLISTICS
The science or art that deals with the motion, behavior BATTERY CHARGER TEST SET
appearance or modification of missiles acted upon by pro- Equipment which is used to charge _nd test the space
pellants, rifling, wind, gravity, temperature or any other vehicle storage batteries,
modifying substance, canal]ban or force.
See--extertor ballistics
interior ballistics BATTERY DISCHARGER TEST SET
Equipment which is used to discharge and check the space
BASE LINE DIMENSIONING vehicle storage batteries and cneck the b_ttery ueater
The establishment of a group of dimensions from a common blanket circuitry and thermostat.
base line or datum line. This system ehnunates cumulative
tolerances that would exist if the dnr_ensions were estab-
lished in a chain series. BATTLESHIP TEST
Static test progrmn utilizing a partially or completely over-
BASELINE CONFIGURATION designed non-flight vemcle to provide perlomiance data
The documented and approved :Jesiqn concept or arrange- on original design und design changes.
ment of components as established at a given point in the
procurement cycle for systems or equipment.
BB
BASIC Breadboard.
A term used for ldentilymg a theorehc,d w_lue, or a de-
desired dimension from winch limit:_ '_re derived by the apph- BEAM
cation of an allowance and tolerances. A ray or collection of focused rays at radlateci energy.
Radio waves used as a navigation aid.
BASIC DIMENSION See-bypervelocity neutral beam
Specified on a drawing as _ theoretical vnlue used to de- ion beam neutralization
scribe the exact size, shape or location of a feature. It is
used as a basis from wiuch permissible variations are estab- BEAM-RIDER
lished by tolerances on other dimensions or notes. A cxaft following a beam, particularly one v,'lnch does so
automatically, the beam provlaina the amdance.
BASIC HOLE SYSTEM
A system of fats in which the mmlmum hmit of each hole BEAST
size is basic. The fit desired is obtained by varying tile Colloquial term for a large roc_:et.
 BECO

BECO BIONICS
Booster Engine Cutoff. The study of systems which function after the manner of,
or in a manner characteristic of, or resembling, living
systems.
BELTS
See-radiation belts BIOPAK
Van Allen belts A container for housing a biolog,cal organism in a habitable
environment, and to record biological functions during space
BETA SIGNAL OR BETA FEEDBACK SIGNAL flight.
That siqaaal coming from an engine's hydraulic actuator to
give an indication of engine deflection. BIOPOWER SYSTEM
An organic assemblage of living orgamsms or substances
BI that produce measurable electric potential.
A prefix meaning two. Occurring every two, as in biennial,
appearing every two years, or biweekly, appearing every two BIOS
weeks. Compare with semi. Biological Investigation of Space.

BILATERAL TOLERANCE BIOSATELLITE

A tolerance in which variation is permitted in both directions An artificial satellite designed to carry a human, animal or
from the design size. plant for the purpose of a scientific experiment.

BILL OF MATERIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY.

A list of all material and parts used to fabricate a part or The technology of the relation of man to the products of the
assembly. Used for ordering required material. All parts industrial technology with which he works, especially in
and requirements listed in the B/M shall coincide with those space.
called out on the drawing of the part or assembly.
BIOTELEMETRY
BINARY NOTATION The electrical measuring, transmitting, and recording quali-
A system of positional notation in which the digits are coef- ties, properties, and actions of organisms and substances,
ficients of powers of the bose 2 in the same way as the usually by means of radio transmissions from a remote site.
digits in the conventional decimal system are coefficients
of powers of the base 10. BIRD
Colloquial term for a rocket, satellite, or spacecraft.
BINARY STAR
Two stars revolving around a common center of gravity.
BLACK BOX
BIO-SENSOR A component or combination of parts contained in one pack-
Equipment to determine biological reactions, including de- age so arranged that it can be inserted or removed from its
tectors taped to various parts of man's anatomy, durinq place in a larger system without knowledge of its internal
flights and tests. structure.

BIOASTRONAUTICS BLACKOUT
Study of the effects of space flight upon animal or plant (1) A fadeout of radio communications due to environmental
life. factors such as ionospheric disturbances, or a plasma sheath
surroundinq a reentry vehicle.
BIODYNAMICS (2) A condition in which vision is temporarily obscured by
Study of forces acting upon bodies in motion or in the a blackness, accompained by a dullness of certain of the
process of changing motion, as they affect living beings. other senses, brought on by decreased blood pressure in the
head and a consequent lack of oxygen. May occur in pull-
BIOENGINEERING ing out of a high-speed d_ve in an airplane.
The science by which knowledge of properties of matter and
sources of power are applied to the design of structures and BLASTOFF
machines that will be directly used by man. Colloquial term for launch.

BIOINSTRUMENTATION BLEED-CYCLE OPERATION

Instrumentation techniques gad principles for the measure- Refers specifically to those liquid rocket engines in which
ment of physical, physiological and biological factors in the turbopump is driven by hot gases bled from the combus-
man or other living organisms. tion chamber of the main thrust chamber assembly during
mainstage operation.
BIOMEDICINE
Combined discipline of biology and medicine for analysis BLOCK DIAGRAM
human tolerances to, and protection against, environmental A line drawing with block outlines to designate units or
variances o functional groups for general arrangement studies functional

10
 BREAKOFF PHENOMENON

explanation,
product
familiarization,
etc.,withinasystem, BOOSTER ROCKET
set or item. (1) A rocket engine, either with solid or liquid fuel, that
assists the normal propulsive system or sustainer engine of
BLOCKHOUSE a rocket or aeronautical vehicle in some phase of its fliqht.-
Heavily reinforced building designed to withstand blast and (2) A rocket used to set a missile vehicle in motion before
heat. It hctuses the electronic controls and equipment for another engine takes over.
preparing and launching a vehicle. In Apollo, the term refers
to the LCC (Launch Control Center). BOOTSTRAP
A self-generating or self-sustaining process. Refers spe-
BLOW-OUT DISC cificooly to those liquid rocket engines in which, during
A mechanism, consisting of a thin metal diaphragm, used _nainstaqe operation, the gas generator is fed by the main
as a safety device to relieve excessive gas pressure. propellants pumped by the turbopump. The turbopump in
turn is driven by hot gases from the gas generator system.
BLOWOFF Such a system must be started by a starting system which
A rudimentary term used to describe the separation of a part supplies outside power or propellants. When rocket-engine
of a missile by explosive force for recovery purpose. The operation is no longer dependent on outs,de power or pro-
term loses significance with the refinements in separation pellants it is said to be m "Bootstrap" operation.
desiqn techniques.

BOATTAIL BOP TEST

The cylindrical section of a ballistic body that continually Basic overall polarity test
decreases in diameter toward the tail to reduce overall aero-
dynamic drag. BORDER
See-aerotbermodynamic border
BOILERPLATE BP mecbanical border
A piece of test hardware, generally non-functioning, which
structurally simulates weight, center of gravity, and aerody-
namic configuration. It may incorporate interim structural BOUND VECTOR
shells or dummy structures. Internal systems may be inert Vector which has a specific point of application associated
or contain selected functional sub-systems for obtaining with it.
flight data for development purposes. A functional mock-up
modeled to simulate a subsystem or system for the purpose BOUNDARY LAYER
of evaluating the performance. A thin layer of fluid next to the surface of a body in a mov-
ing stream (e. q. an airfoil in an airstream) having distinc-
BOILOFF tive flow characteristics as a result of friction between the
The vapor loss from any volatile liquid (e. g. liquid oxygen) fluid and the surface of the body.
particularly when stored in a vehicle ready for flight.
BP
BOLT Boilerplate.
See-explosiue bolt
BRAKING
BOLT CIRCLE See-atmospberic bral_ing
The circle locating centers of holes, lugs, etc. Sometimes
coOled pitch circle. BRAKING ELLIPSE
An orbital ellipse such that portions of the orbit are within
BOMBER the atmosphere. Its purpose is to decelerate the orbiting
See-orbital bomber body by exposing it to the aerodynamic drag of the
atmosphere.
BONDING
Establishment of complete electrical contact between vari- BREADBOARD BB
ous adjoininq structures or units. An assembly of preliminary circuits or parts used to prove
the feasibility of a device, circuit, system, or principle with-
BOOSTER out regard to the final configuration or packaging of the
Short for booster engine or booster rocket. parts.
See-two-burn booster
BREAKDOWN
BOOSTER ENGINE See--generation breakdown
An engine, especially a booster rocket, that adds power to
the thrust of the sustainer engine, or provides propulsion for BREAKOFF PHENOMENON
a special phase of flight. The feeling, which sometimes occurs duringhigh-altitude
flight, of being totally separated and detached from the
BOOSTER ENGINE CUTOFF BECO earth and human society. Also called breakaway
The point at which the booster engine stops firing. phenomenon.

11
BREAKUP

BUILDING
BREAKUP
See-environmental test and service building
See-airbrea_up
gas converter building
BREMSSTRAHLUNG vertical assembly building

Electromagnetic radiation produced by the rapid change in

BUILDING-BLOCK CONCEPT
the velocity of an electron or another fast, charged, parti-
The assembly of a complex structure by combining standard-
cle as it crpproaches an atomic nucleus and is deflected by
ized and proven sub-assemblies.
it.

BRENNSCHLUSS
German for combustion termination. Cessation of fuel burn- BURN POND

ing resulting from consumption of the propellants, deliberate A man made pond which contains water a few inches above
a mechamcal burner vent. The purpose of the pond is to
shutoff or other cause.
dispose, by burning, of dangerous ann unfleslrabte gases

BRUTE FORCE METHOD such as hydrogen which are vented, purged or dispelled
from the space vehicle propellant tanks anti ground storage
Optimization technique in which the raw gata produced by
tanks.
hand calculation or by a computing machine, either as num-
bers or as cathode ray tube plots, must be compared and
evaluated by people to find an optimum point.
BURNOUT VELOCITY

BUBBLE COLONY The velocity of the vehicle at burnout

Colony of persons placed on the Moon or other spatial body

BUTTON
provided with individual or group environmental capsules.
See-EGADS button

BUFFETING
BY-PASS RATIO
A term often used to describe the vibratory marian of `a
In a turbofan engine, the raUo of the ,air passing through the
component or the airframe as a whole whxch is being sub-
annular fan duct to the mr passing through the compressor,
jected to the vibratory impulses centained within an aero-
combustion, and turbine section.
dynamic wake.

12
 C
C&I CALIBRATION
Communications and Instrumentation Comparison between two instruments or devices, one of
which is a standard of known accuracy, to detect and to
C-BAND correlate or adjust any variation in the accuracy of the
Frequencies in the region of 5,000 megacycles per second. instrument being compared.
See-[inal calibration curve
C-1 BLOCK I VEHICLE stage calibration equipment
Previous designation for Saturn l Block I.
CALIBRATION TEST
C-1 BLOCK II VEHICLE
Tests to determine the output characteristics of a measuring
Previous designation for Saturn I c_lock II. device, component or assembly and to see If the characteris-
tics are within specification.
C-1B VEHICLE
See-laboratory calibration test
Previous designation for Saturn IB. vehicle calibration test

C-5 VEHICLE CALLOUT

Previous designation for Saturn V. A note or instruction on the face of drawing which clearly
designates, by arrow or description, the portion of the draw-
C/O
ing to which it refers.
Checkout.

CANNIBALIZATION
CABIN
A maintenance modzficatlon or repazr method in which the
See-pressurized cabin
required parts are removed from a snmlar system or assembly
sealed cabin for installation on another.

CABIN LEAKAGE CAPE CANAVERAL

The leakage or loss of spacecraft atmospheric pressure
Cape on the East Coast of Florida used as a laboratory for
through the various closures, seals, and gasketed apertures launching missiles and spnce vehicles. It is operated by
in the spacecraft body. the Air Force Misrule Test Center.

CABLE

See-interconnecting cable CAPSULE

A sealed, pressurized cabin with an acceptable environment.

CABLE ASSEMBLY
Usually for containing a man or animal for extremely hzgh-
Consists of two or more conductors with a concentric lay, altitude flights, orbital space fhght, or emergency escape.
assembled connectors, and having the protective cover or
See--election capsule
jacket integral with the cable.

CAPTIVE TEST
CABLE ASSEMBLY DRAWING
A static or hold-down test of a rocket engine, stage or motor.
A drawing which shows the complete construction of a cable Distinguished from a flight test.
or u group of cables.
See-static testing

CALCULATED RISK CARD

A risk of known proportions considered to be present if a
See--aperture card
given action is undertaken, but one deliberately accepted
if alternative actions are believed inadequate for attaining CARDIOVASCULAR REACTIVITY
the objective, or believed to involve greater risks.
The response cmd function of heart ann blood vessels to
various types of stress such as exercise, acceleration, heat,
CALENDAR AGE and cold.
Age measured in terms of the time from manufacture of the
object.
CASSEGRAIN MICROWAVE OPTICS
A method of placing the antenna feed away from the prime
CALIBRATE
focus of the antenna, wherein the feed again reflects the
To make careful adjustment, to achieve a given standard
waves reflected by the antenna, intensifying the strength of
of accuracy. the waves.

13
CATALYST
CATALYST OR CATALYTIC AGENT CELL
See-electro-cbemical cell
Any substance which, by virtue of its presence, affects the
rate of a chemical reaction and which may be recovered [uel cell
solar cell
practically unchanged at the end of the reaction.

CATAPULT CENSORED SAMPLE

Some of the items removed from observation before they fail.
A mechanical structure which, by its action, provides an
accelerating force to an air veiucle, and which at the same The total number of sample specimens is known, but measure-

time provides directional constraint during the launching. ments on some of this number are lacking.

CENTER
CATASTROPHIC FAILURE See-Ames Research Center

A sudden failure without warning, as opposed to degradation Arnold Engineering and Development Center
failures. Such failures occur suddenly within the operational Control Center

time period after all efforts have been made to eliminate de- electronic data processing center
sign defects and unsound components and before any forseen Flight Research Center

wearout phenomena have time to appear. Goddard Space Flight Center

Langley Research Center
launcb operations center
CAVITATION Lewis Research Center

Rapid formation and collapse of vapor pockets in a flowing Manned Sgacecra/t Center
fluid under very low pressures. A fretuent cause of struc- Marshall Space Flight Center
tural damage to rocket components.

CENTER OF GRAVITY CG
CAVITY REACTOR For an extanded body or collection of particles subject to

A conceptual nuclear propulsion reactor in which the fuel gravitation, the point through which the resultant force of
is in a gaseous state and is Suspended and separated from gravity acts no matter how the body is oriented.
the propellant by centrifugal or gasdynamic means.

CENTER OF MASS CM

CBA The point in a body at which the entire mass of the body can
Cocoa Beach Apollo. be considered to be concentrated.

CCP
Contract Change Proposal. CENTRIFUGAL FORCE
A force directed away from the center of rotation in a rota-
CCS ting system.
Change Control System.
CENTRIFUGE
CDU Specifically, a large motor-driven apparatus with a long arm
Coupling Display Unit. at the end of which human and animal subjects or equipment
can be revolved and rotated at various speeds to simulate
CELESCOPE the prolonged accelerations encountered in a high-perform-
Telescope and spectroscope payload for orbiting astronomi- ance aircraft, rockets, and spacecraft.
ical observatory (OAO).
CENTRIPETAL FORCE
CELESTIAL GUIDANCE A force directed toward the center of rotation of a rotating
The guidance of a missile or vehicle by reference to celes- system.
tial bodies.
CFE
CELESTIAL MECHANICS Contractor Furnished Equipment.
The study of the theory pertaining to the motions of celestial
bodies under the influence of gravitational fields. CFP
Contractor Furnished Property.
CELESTIAL NAVIGATION

Onboard navigation using the celestial bodies for reference. CG

Celestial guidance. Center of Gravity.

CELESTIAL SPHERE CHAMBER

Imaginary sphere of infinite radius, assumed for navigational See-environmental space chamber
purposes, the center of which coincides with the center of /iring cbamber
the Earth. ion cbamber

14
 CIRCUMPLANETARY SPACE

CHANCE FAILURE CHEMOSPHERE

A failure which occurs at random within the operational time The vaguly defined region of the upper atmosphere in which
of an equipment after all efforts have been made to elimi- photochemical reactions take place.
nate design defects and unsound components, and before
wearout becomes predominant. CHI-SQUARED FUNCTION
A gamma function that expresses a distribution of many
CHARGE independent standardized variables. The farm of the chi-
See-electrostatic cbarge squared function differs for each number of degrees of free-
dom. Chi-square is the sum squares of independent normal
CHASSIS variates divided by their common variance.
That portion of an assembly that is the basic frame upon
which stiffening members, brackets, gussets, subassem- CHOKES
blies, and components, are mounted. A form of decompression sickness believed to be due to the
evolvement of gases in the lung tissue upon ascent to alti-
CHECK-OUT TIME tude. It is characterized by a deep substernal pain or burn-
Time required to determine whether the performance charac- ing sensation, difficulty in respiration, and a non-productive
teristics of a system are within specified values. cough.

CHECKING LAYOUTS CHROMOSPHERE

Accurate layouts of checked details and assemblies drawn One of the atmospheric shells of the Sun, lying above the
in the proper order of assembly to assure the proper fitting photosphere and best visible at t_me of total eclipse. Can
of all parts. When drawing parts, consideration is given to be observed spectroscopically at other times.
the most critical variations of the parts.
CHUFFING
CHECKLIST A noise resulting from a combustion instability, especially
A list of procedures or items summarizing the activities in a liquid-propellant rocket engine, characterized by a
required for an operator or technician in the performance of pulsing operation at a low frequency.
his duties. A condensed guide. An on-the-job supplement
to more detailed job instructions. CHUGGING
Same as chaffing.
CHECKOUT C/O
A test or procedure for determining whether a person or de- CIRCADIAN RHYTHM
vice is capable of performing a required operation or A particular regular recurrence or alteration in features,
function. When used in connection with equipment, a check- elements, and phenomena of living organisms.
out usually consists of the application of a series of opera-
tional and calibrational tests in a certain sequence, with the
requirement that the response of the device to each of these CIRCUIT
tests be within a predetermined tolerance. F'or personnel, A group of elements or parts, connected and related so as
the term checkout is sometimes used in the sense of a brief- to perform a specific function in a component, assembly,
ing or explanation to the person involved, rather than a test or system.
of that person's capability. See-passiue circuit
See-horizontal pre-/ligbt checkout system
spacecra/t operations and checkout [acility CIRCULAR ORBIT
uebicle horizontal checkout An orbit which describes a complete constant altitude revo-
uebicle vertical checkout lution around the Earth.

CHECKOUT EQUIPMENT CIRCULAR VELOCITY

Electric, electronic, mechanical, and pneumatic equipment, The speed required to maintain a body in a circular orbit.
both automatic ormanual, which is re_uired to perform the
checkout function of engines, systems, or stages. CIRCUMLUNAR
Specifically, around the Moon. Generally this term has be-
CHEMICAL FUEL come associated with the program missions in which a space-
A fuel depending upon an oxidizer for combustion or for craft will circle the Moon one or more times and return to
development of thrust, such as htuid or solid rocket fuel, Earth.
jet fuel, or internal-combustion engine fuel. Distinguished
from nuclear fuel. CIRCUMLUNAR TRAJECTORY
A trajectory programed to orbit the spacecraft one or more
CHEMICAL ROCKET times around the Moon.
A rocket using chemical fuel, which requires an oxidizer
for combustion, such as liquid or solid rocket fuel. ClRCUMPLANETARY SPACE

Space relatively close to a planet, especially the space

CHEMILUMINESCENCE close to the Earth, including the outer reaches of the
Light produced through chemical reactions. atmosphere.

15
CISLUNAR

CISLUNAR CLUTCH (SLIP)

Of or pertaining to space between the Earth and the orbit of A device which permits the driving force to be partially
the Moon, or to a sphere of space centered on the Earth with relieved of the driven load.
a ro:tius equal to the distance between the Earth and the
Moon. CM
Command Module.
CLASS 1 DRAWING Center of Mass.
Government design activity drawings which are furnished or
prepared in accordance with MIL-D-70327 as Government CM CENTER STATION
agency drawings by a Government design activity or a con- The middle crew position in the command module (CM), from
tractor and for which the Government agency retains or which the navigator can assist the commander and the sys-
assigns responsibility for the preparation of maintenance. tems manager in any of their functions during launch and
These drawings are assigned a Government identification reentry.
code and drawing numbers from a block of numbers issued by
a Government activity. CM CONTROL STATION
The left-band crew position in the command module (CM),
CLASSIFICATION OF DEFECTS from which the commander normally monitors and controls all
The enumeration of possible defects of the unit of product flight.
classified according to their importance.
CM NAVIGATION STATION
CLEARANCE The crew position located in the lower aft equipment bay of
The space between mating parts. the command module (CM) from which the navigator aligns the
IMU, makes navigational fixes, monitors delta velocity
CLEARANCE FIT maneuvers and the IFTS panel, and performs maintenance for
One havinglimits of size so prescribed that clearance always the guidance and navigation system.
results when mating parts are assembled.
CM SYSTEM MANAGEMENT STATION

CLIMATIC ENVIRONMENTS The right-hand crew position in the command module (CM)
Enwronments consisting of ambient atmospheric conditions from which the systems manager normally monitors and con-

such as degree of vacuum, r_diatlon, and temperature. trois the operating condition of all spacecraft systems.

CLIMATIZATION CMPT

All measures taken to provide for the sahsfactory operation, Component.

packaging, trmasportation, and storage of ground equipment
regardless of climatic conditions. CO
Sometimes used as abbreviation for checkout. Use of the
preferrable C/O will avoid confusion with the abbreviation

CLOSE ABOARD MODE for company.

One of the modes of operating the sextant to obtain a fix

COLD GAS ATTITUDE CONTROL SYSTEM
on a star and a landmark to determine position in space,
while in orbit. A vehicle stabilization system using the expulsion of a cold
inert gas under high pressure to provide motive force.
CLOSED ECOLOGICAL SYSTEM
A system that provides for the maintenance of life in an iso- COLD-FLOW TEST

lated living chamber, such as a spacecraft cabin, by means Test of a liquid rocket without firing, to check efficiency of
a propulsion subsystem that provides for the conditioning
of a cycle wherein exhaled carbon dioxide, urine, and other
waste matters are converted chemically or by photosynthesis and flow of propellants, including tank pressurization, pro-

into oxygen, water, and food. pellant loading, and propellant feeding.

CLOTH PRINT COLLIMATION TOWER

A tower used to mount electronic and optical targets whzch
A photo reproduction Image on a woven fiber base.
are used to determine and check proper alignment of an

CLUSTER antenna.

Two or more engines bound together so as to function as one

COMBINED MISSION ENVIRONMENTS
propulsive unit.
The simultaneous application of climatic and dynamic

CLUTCH (DIRECTIONAL) environments expected during the operational cycle of

equipment.
Device for transmitting a driving force m either of two
directions.
COMBINED STRESS
The stresses resulting from the simultaneous action of such
CLUTCH (SEPARATING)
factors as primary stresses, secondary stresses, and thermal
A device for disengaging a driven member with the driving
stresses.
power.

16
 COMPLEX

COMBUSTIBLE which is a couch facing the main panel. He has primary

Any material or structure which can burn. A relative term. cognizance of those controls and displays requiring time-
Many materials will not burn in one state but will in another. critical response to insure crew safety and mission success.
E.g., steel will burn, structural steel will not. Under normal circumstances, his activity encompasses flig_
mode selection, implementation of navigation and guidance,
COMBUSTION and monitoring operational or exploration direction. He also
A chemical process characterized by the evolution of heat. serves as the commander of the lunar excursion module
Commonly, the chemical reaction of fuel and oxidizer, but (LEM).
by extension includes the decomposltion of monopropellants
and the burning of solid propellants. COMMERCIAL ITEM
Supplies or services which normally are offered and sold to
COMBUSTION INSTABILITY the public commercially by any supplier.
Unfavorable, unsteady or abnormal combustion of fuel,
especially in a rocket engine, e.g., unfavorable combustion COMMON HARDWARE
oscillation. Expendable hardware items having multiple applications,
E.g., nuts, bolts, screws, washers, pins, keys, and
COMBUSTION OSCI LLATION grommets.
High frequency pressure variations in the combustor. Com-
bustion oscillation is caused by uneven propellant COMMUNICATIONS COMM
consumption. A method or means of conveying information of any kind
from one person or place to another. In aerospace applica-
COMET tion, communications generally means the voice and data
A luminous member of the solar system composed of a head links employed during any phase of the launch and flight
or come at the center of which a presumable solid nucleus operations either by hardwire or RF. Included are telephone
is sometimes situated, and often with a spectacular gaseous systems, TWX's, television, radio transmission, commutated
tail extending a great distance from the head. UHF, telemetry, lasers, etc.

COMM
Communications. COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE

A satellite designed to reflect or relay electromagnetic

COMMAND waves used in the communications media.
A signal which initiates or triggers an action in the device
which receives the signal.
COMPANION BODY
COMMAND DESTRUCT A nose cone, last-stage rocket, or other body that orbits
A system which destroys the vehicle, actuated on command along with an earth satellite.
of the range safety officer whenever vehicle performance de-
grades enough to be a safety hazard.
COMPARISON INSPECTION
COMMAND DESTRUCT SIGNAL The examination ancl testing performed at intervals, on
A radio signal that detonates an explosive in a rocket, samples representative of production runs, after the supplies
missile or vehicle so as to destroy it. or services have passed the qualification inspection.

COMMAND MODULE CM COMPATIBILITY

The portion of the spacecraft which houses the crew, serves A characteristic ascribed to a major subsystem that indi-
as the center for crew-initiated command functions and is cates it functions well in the over-all system.
the recoverable portion of the spacecraft.
COMPLETE INTERCHANGEABILITY
COMMAND AND SERVICE MODULE CSM The ability to interchange without restriction.
Combination of the command module (CM) and the service
module (SM) that remains when the lunar excursion module COMPLETE OPERATING EQUIPMENT
(LEM) is separated for lunar descent or return to Earth. An equipment together with the necessary parts, acces-
sories, and components, or any combination thereof, required
COMMAND MODULE SIMULATOR for the performance of a specified operational function.
An auxiliary device for testing the service module (SM) sys-
tems with the service module and command module (CM) COMPLEX
unmated. The simulator includes subsystems and compo- Entire area of launch site facilities. This includes block-
nents to generate and receive electrical signals for perform- house, launchpad, gantry, etc. Also referred to as a launch
ing checkout functions. complex.
See-ground computer complex
COMMANDER liquid hydrogen (LH-2) system complex
The first member of the Apollo flight crew. The spacecraft liquid oxygen (LOX) system complex
commander occupies the control station on the left side, RP-I [uel system complex

17
 COMPONENT

COMPONENT CMPT CONCEPT

An article which is normally a combination of parts, sub- See--anticriticality concept
assemblies, or assemblies and is a self-contained element building-block concept
within a complete operating e_uipment. integration, transport and launcb concept

COMPONENT ACCEPTANCE TEST CONCEPTUAL PHASE

Acceptance test of an individual component (consisting of That period in the system life cycle which usually terminates
a number of ports) to determine if these components will meet with publication of a specific operational requirement.
specifications prior to assembly in a subsystem.
. CONDITIONING
COMPONENT AND PART RELIABILITY The exposure of sample units or specimens to a specific
A component or part is reliable when it will operate to a pre- environment for a specified period of time to prepare them for
determined level of probability under its maximum ratings at subsequent inspection.
most severe combination of enviroments for which it was
designed and for the length of time or number of cycles CONFIDENCE FACTOR
specified. The percentage figure that expresses confidence level, or
proportion of times the statement should be correct.
COMPONENT DRAWING
Mechanical or electrical drawing providing necessary CONFIDENCE INTERVAL
information for fabrication and testing of a specific A range of values estimated from a random sample on the
component. premise that the range will include a sought-for true para-
meter if the sampling process were to be repeated many
COMPONENT STRESS times.
The stresses on component parts are those factors of usage
or test which tend to affect the failure rate of these parts. CONFIDENCE LEVEL
This includes voltage, power, temperature, frequency, rise The percentage of statements, tests, etc., expected to be
time, etc. However, the principal stress, other than electri- correct. The certainty with which data from a small group
cal, is usually the thermal-environmental stress. apply to a specific confidence interval. By using appropri-
ate data and a selected confidence coefficient, the expected
correct answers can be obtained.
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
Structural materials of metal alloys or plastics with built-in CONFIDENCE LIMITS
strengthening agents which may be in the form of filaments, The upper and lower extremes of the confidence interval.
foils, or flakes of a strong material.
CONFIG
Confiquretion.
COMPOSITE PROPELLANT
A solid rocket propellant consisting of an elastomeric fuel CONFIGURATION CONFIG
binder, a finely qround oxidizer, and various additives. The technical and physical description required to fabricate,
test, accept, operate, maintain and logistically support
COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS systems or equipment.
Any tubes, bottles, or other type of pressure cylinders used
for the purpose of storing or transporting liquids or gases CONFIGURATION ACCOUNTING
under pressure. Act of documentatinq proposed and approved changes made
to systems and equipment in order to maintain knowledge of
COMPUTED RELIABILITY configuration status.
The synthetic calculated probability of a system performing
its purpose within specifications based on estimates or tests
of the reliability of its components. CONFIGURATION CONTROL
Systematic evaluation, coordination, approval or disapproval
COMPUTER of all changes to the baseline configuration.
A machine for carrying out calculations and performing
specified transformations on information.
See-analog computer CONFIGURATION IDENTIFICATION
Apollo Guidance Computer The technical documentation defining the approved configura-
digital computer tion of systems or equipment under development, test, and
hybrid computer production.
real-time computer
CONNECTION DIAGRAM
CONCENTRICITY A diaqramatic drawing that shows physical arrangement
A condition wherein the axis of one symmetrical feature of items in an assembly or system, and also the connections
coincides with the axis of one or more other symmetrical between the items. An electrical wiring diagram is, for
features within a part or assembly. instance, one type of connection diagram.

18
 CONTROL SYSTEM

CONSOLE CONTRACTOR FURNISHED EQUIPMENT CFE

Contains controls and indicators for the monitonng and con- That portion of contractor-furnished property which is in-
trol of a particular sequence of actions, as in the checkout cluded in the system by the contractor.
of a rocket, countdown action, or a launch procedure.

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED PROPERTY CFP

CONSTRAINT That property, other than Government property, used by the
Limit beyond which a variable cannot be permitted to vary contractor in the performance of a contract.
under any condition.
CONTRACTUAL COVERAGE
CONSTRUCTION DRAWING The coverage of a legally binding document which requires
An engineering drawing that illustrates the design of build- the contractor to satisfy government requirements for sup-
ings and structures, incluamg complete facilities. plies or services defined by such document,

CONTROL
CONSUMABLES See-con[iguration control
Parts and materials of both contractor and Government fur- control center
nished origin expended in the course of performing mainten- operational [ligbt control
ance or operational objectives. orientation control
program control
quality control
CONSUMER'S RISK reaction control [acility
The probability of accepting an item which is, in fact, reliability control
unsatisfactory. thrust vector control
vector control
CONTACT IONIZATION
Ionization caused by contact with a surface, either because CONTROL CENTER
of the high surface temperature or the catalytic effect of the See-launch control center
surface. mission control center
simulation control center
CONTACT PAPER vehicle propellant loading control center
Photographic paper designed to be exposed when directly
in contact with a reproducible document. CONTROL JET
Synonym for attitude control propulsion motor (ACPM).
CONTACT PRINT
A reproduction made by exposure of sensitized material by CONTROL RATIO
direct contact with that which is to be cop_ed. The relationship between the movement of a control and the
movement of that which is controlled.
CONTR
Contractor. CONTROL ROCKET
A vernier rocket, ullage rocket, retrorocket, or other such
CONTRACT rocket, used to guide, accelerate, or decelerate a space
A legally binding document executed by the Government and vehicle.
the prime contractor which, in addition to the terms and
conditions thereof, includes by reference or otherwise, spec- CONTROL SURFACE REVERSAL
ifications, drawings, exhibits and other data necessary to The change in the direction of the liftincrement from that
its proper performance. normally produced by deflecting a movable control surface.
It results from the torsional deflection of the fixed surface
CONTRACT SCHEDULE caused by the aerodynamic moments applied when the mov-
That portion of a Government prime contract which describes able control surface is deflected.
the articles or services desired. Not to be confused with
contract time-schedule or delivery schedule.
CONTROL SYSTEM
CONTRACTING OFFICER A system in a missile or space vehicle that serves to main-
Any officer or civilian employee authorized to enter into and tain attitude stability during powered flight and to correct
administer contracts and to make determinations and findings deflections caused by gusts or other disturbances.
with respect thereto. See-addaptive control system
attitude.control system
CONTRACTOR cold gas attitude control system
Individuals or concerns who enter into a prime contract with enviromental control system
the Government. ground environmental control system
See-associate contractor guidance and control system
prime contractor pneumatic control system
principal contractor reaction control system

19
CONTROLLED LEAKAGE SYSTEM

CONTROLLED LEAKAGE SYSTEM CORONAGRAPH

A system that provides for the body's metabolism, in an Device to scan and record the solar corona.
aircraft or spacecraft cabin, by a controlled escape of car-
bon dioxide and other waste from the cabin, with replenish- CORRELATION
ment provided by stored oxygen and food. The degree to which two or more variables are so related
that a change in one is accompanied by a corresponding
change in the other. The degree of concomitance is
CONTROLLED PROCESS measured by the correlation coefficient.
A process which yields samples whose characteristics re-
main consistently within the control limits of a shewhart CORROSION
chart. See-destructive corrosion
COSMIC DUST
Small meteoroids of a size similar to dust.
CONTROLLED TEST
A sampling method designed to solve a problem or group of COSMIC RAYS
problems concerning a given product. The extremely high-energy subatomic particles which bom-
bard the atmosphere from _ter space. On colliding with
atmospheric purticles they produce many different kinds of
CONTROLS lower-energy secondary cosmic radiation.
Those parts of the equipment which are provided for the See-primary cosmic rays
operator's use in order to effect changes in the equipment secondary cosmic rays
performance.
COSMOS
Totality of the observed and postulated physical universe.
CONVECTIVE HEATING
The exchange of heat energy between a body and the fluid COSPAR
or gas passing over it. Committee on space research of the international council of
scientific unions, to which the United States belongs
through the National Academy of Sciences.
COOLING
See-film cooling COUNTDOWN
regenerative cooling The step-by-step process leading to a launch. It is per-
sweat cooling formed in accordance with a predesigned time schedule,
measured in terms of T-time (T minus time prior to initi-
ation of engine start sequence and T plus time thereafter).
COOLING SYSTEM
The system which prevents excessive temperatures of acces-
sories, equipment, components, and structure. COUPLED SERVO FLUTTER
A low frequency oscillation of the airframe structure, caused
by feedback (through the airframe or the air) of the structural
COOPERATIVE RENDEZVOUS and rigid body vibrations of servomechanisms located within
Rendezvous using both radar and optical tracking methods. the airframe, causing actuation of the space vehicle controls
in response to the vibrations.

COORDINATED PLANNING
The over-all detail planning and agreement between engineer- COUPLING DISPLAY UNIT CDU
ing, manufacturing, and other interested functions. Prefer- An assembly of electromagnetic transducers and gears with
ably incorporated in drawings prior to initial issue. a display readout. The CDU presents coordinated data from
the subsystems included in Apollo guidance and navigation
CORIOLIS FORCE equipment (AGE). Provisions are also made to manually
Deflection of a projectile during its flight across the earth's set-in inertial orientation for emergency modes of operation.
surface, caused by the rotation of the earth.

CORIOLIS REACTION CRAWLER-TRANSPORTER

A mixed sensory illusion (eyes and semicircular canals) of The prime mover used to position the launcher umbilical
the oculoqyral type where in if a pilot while in a spin moves tower (LUT) in the vertical assembly building (VAB), move
his head in the opposite direction, resultant fluid movement the LUT/SV configuration from the VAB to the launch pad,
in the canals produces severe vertigo, (dizziness, nausea, and move the arming tower from its park position to the
pallor, etc). pad. The crawler-transporter will be 131-feet long and
114-feet wide, and will contain two diesel generators which
CORONA provide 5600 hp for the electric drive motor system. It
The faintly luminous outer envelope of the sun. Also called will move on four double-tracked crawlers, with hydraulic
solar corona. jacking pads on 90-foot centers.

20
 CYLINDERS

CRAWLERWAY CRITICAL PARTS LIST

A specially prepared dual roadway providing access for the A listing of those parts whose failure would cause a deqrada-
crawler-transporter to the launch pads, arming tower parking tion inmission success or crew safety.
areas, and the vertical assembly building (VAB). The road-
way will be designed to support 17.5 million pounds. The CRITICAL PATH
two lanes will be spaced on 90-foot centers to match the That particular sequence of activities that has the greatest
tractor units, and each lane will be 40-feet wide. The negative or least positive activity slack.
crawlerway will have a 5% grade approaching each pad.
CRITICALITY
CREW
Assignment of relative importance to hardware or systems.
A group of specialists who perform simultaneous and sequen-
tial duties and tasks involved in the accomplishment of an CRITICALITY FACTOR
assigned operation. See-importance/actor
See-/ligbt crew
CRYOGENIC
CREW SAFETY An adjective referring to low temperatures, usually those at
Sate return of all three crew members whether or not the which gases become liquid.
mission is completed.
CRYOGENICS
The science of low-temperature conditions.
CREW SAFETY PROBABILITY
The probability of crew return without exceeding prescribed CRYOGENIC GYRO
emergency limits. A magnetically supported qyro using super conductive metals
associated with very low fluid temperatures to maintain the
CREW SAFETY SYSTEM magnetic field.
Consists of the necessary sensors, test equipment, and
displays, on board the spacecraft to detect and diagnose CRYOGENIC PROPELLANT
malfunctions, and to allow the crew to make a reasonable A rocket fuel, oxidizer, or propulsion fluid which is liquid
assessment of the contingency. For emergency conditions, only at very low temperatures.
the CSS is capable of initiating an abort automatically.
CSM
Command and Service Module

CRITICAL AND LIMITED LIFE CUMULATIVE DISTRIBUTION FUNCTION

ITEM REFURBISHMENT The probability that a random variable takes on any value
Periodic rework or partial replacement of items having a less than or equal to its stated value.
critical function or a limited life after a failure has occurred
on such items. CURTAILED INSPECTION
Sampling inspection where, as soon as a decision is certain,
the inspection of the sample is stopped. As soon as the re-
CRITICAL DEFECT
jection number for defectives is reached no further inspection
A defect that judqment and experience indicate could result is necessary. A first sample is always completed for the
in hazardous or unsafe conditions for individuals using or purpose of estimating the process average quality.
maintaining the product, or result in failure in accomplish-
ment of the ultimate objective.
CURVE
CRITICAL DESIGN REVIEW See-/inal calibration curve
The comparative evaluation of worth of parameters, such as synergic curve
producibility, time, schedule, cost, weigh, geometric space
envelope, performance, reliability, and maintainability, in CUTOFF
order to achieve optimum over-all system effectiveness. The cessation of burning in a jet or rocket engine owing to
an intentional command action. Distinct from burnout which
CRITICAL FAILURE signifies a cessation of burning because of the exhaustion
Any failure which results in mission loss, but which allows of the fuel.
crew initiation of the escape sequence. See-rougb combustion cuto[/

CRITICAL FLIGHT EXPERIMENTS CYCLE

Those flight experiments which determine the feasibility of See-liquid-air cycle engine
a concept. operating cycle
sunspot cycle
CRITICAL ITEM
The classification of an item according to its strategic value CYLINDERS
to an operation or mission. See-compressed gas cylinders

21
CYTHEREAH ATMOSPHERE

CYTHEREAN ATMOSPHERE
The atmosphere of Venus.

CYTO-CHEMICAL
Chemical aspects of the structure, function, multlp|ication,
pathology, and life history of hving ceils.

22
 D
O&C DECLINATION
Display and Control. Angular distance north or south of the celestial eTuator.
The arc of an hour circle between the celestial equator
D-REGION and a point on the celestial sphere, measured through 90
Region of absorbing ionization considered to exist as a degrees, and labeled N or $ to indicate the direcUon of
consequence of particle radiation from hydrogen bursts of measurement.
the Sun, bringing about complete inhibition of short-wave
communication, but some improvement in long-wave DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS
communication. A disorder in the body caused by reduced barometric pres-
sure and evolved or trapped oas bubbles in the body, marked
DATA FIELD by pare in the extremities, occasionally leading to severe
One ormore columns on a tabulating or aperture card that central nervous system and neurocirculatory collapse.
are reserved for specific reformation entered m a specified
manner. DEEP SPACE INSTRUMENTATION FACILITY DSIF
A combination of three radar and communications stations in
DATA REDUCTION the United States, Australia, and South Africa so located as
Transformation of observed values into useful, ordered, or to keep a spacecraft in deep space under observation at all
simplified information. times.

DATUM ELEMENTS DEFECT

Datum parts, lines, and surfaces are features assumed to be Any nonconformance of the unit of product with specified

exact for purposes of computation or reference and from requirements.

which the location of other features may be established.
DEFECTIVE
See-percentage de/ectiue
DATUM FEATURE
One of a group of features whose function is to act as a DEFLECTOR

reference for the other features in the group. See-launcher delector

DEGRADATION

DDAS Gradual deterioration in performance.

Digital Data Acquisition System.

DEGRADATION FACTOR

DEhD MAN CONTROLS The factor by which reliability is changed due to treatment

Devices for shutting off or rendering mechanisms safe in of the equipment such as m_nufacture, maintenance, etc.

case of accident or illness of the operator.

DEBUGGING DEGRADATION FAILURE

A reliability conditiorung procedure which is a method of A failure that results from a gradual change in performance

aging the equipment by operating it under specified environ- characteristics of an equipment or part with time.
mental and test conditions in accordance with an established
procedure in order to eliminate early failures and age or
DEI
stabilize the equipment prior to final test and shipment.
Also known as bum-in or infant mortality. Development Engineering Inspection

DELINEATION (GRAPHIC)
DEC
Deceleration. The lines which represent the form, outline, or contours of
the object as differentiated from the dimensions, notes, or

DECELERATION DEC other nonpictorial representat/on or descriptlon of the part

or its details.
Negative acceleration [slowing down).

DELTA
DECISION DEVICE
3-staqelaunch vehicleusing THORfirststage(alsocalled
The device which determines which branch of a standby
THOR-DELTA).
redundant system will be used.

23
DELUGE COLLECTION POHD

DELUGE COLLECTION POND DESIGN RELIABILITY CREATION

A pond at the launch site that collects water used to cool The function of applying recognized disciplines for reliabil-
the flame deflector. Called "Skinner Basin". ity achievement durinq the actual design phase.
w

DEPENDENT VARIABLE DESIGN REVIEW

Variable whose value is determined by fixing the values of A progressive review, startinq after the design study and
all the independent variables. continuing throuqh theprototype stage. Provides an assess-
ment of reliability and reliability trends by use of applicable
DEPTH OF FIELD tests and prediction techniques.
That area of tolerance where in the distance from lens to
document can vary and still be considered in sharp focus. DESIGN SIZE
A size from which the plus or minus limits of size are de-
DERATING rived by the application of tolerances. When there is no
A reduced level of application relative to desiqned allowance the design size is the same as the basic size.
capability.
DESIGN STRESS LEVEL
DESICCANT BANK Therncucimum anticipated operating stress encountered over
A device used to filter hydrocarbons and water vapor from the expected life of the equipment. This level is defined as
gaseous fluids such as nitrogen. It may be used in a high not including safety factors or safety margins.
pressure qas storage system.
DESIGN STUDY
The phase during which the initial study and layout of the
DESIGN DSGN system, major combination, or item is made. It concludes
As applied to a product, it is the engineering drawings and with the preparation of drawings adequate for the initiat/on
specifications which permit fabrication of the product. of design and fabrication of a mock-up.
See-critical design reuiew
[actorial design
/all-sale design DESTINATION INSPECTION
The inspect/on performed at the receiving point of the
consignee of material to ascert_n whether the shipment is
DESIGN ACTIVITY in conformance with purchase specifications.
Activity having responsibility for the desiqn, preparation,
and maintenance of enqineerinq drawings for a given item of DESTRUCT
supply. The action of detonating or otherwise destroying a vehicle
after it has been launched, but before it has completed its
DESIGN BURST PRESSURE course. Usually for reasons of safety.
Themaxlmum relief valve pressure, or maximum operating See-command destruct
pressure, plus hydrostatic head (if applicable), multiplied command destruct signal
by the appropriate ultimate factor of safety.
DESTRUCTIVE CORROSION
DESIGN CRITERIA Any type of corrosion which, in any way, interferes with
Standards upon which a design is based. mechanical or electrical performance.

DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
DESIGN LAYOUT Testing of any nature which may materially affect the life
A final approved layout of a product or apparatus declared expectancy of the item tested, whether or not failure occurs
suitable for manufacture. durinq the test.
See-mono detail drawing
DESIGN LOAD multi detail drawing
The [in,it load multiplied by the required minimum factor of
safety. DETAIL ASSEMBLY DRAWING
A drawing wherein some items are depicted in detail on the
DESIGN RELIABILITY drawing in lieu of preparing separate detail drawings.
The reliability inherent in the design. Generally, the maxi-
mum reliability that can be achieved if all equipment is DETAIL DRAWING
produced, maintained, and operated exactly as specified. Delineates information to describe an item, and shall include
It is determined by the selection and application of materials, materials, finish, tolerances, and other requirements as
parts, and circuits and related to the application ofenviran- applicable.
mental and operational stress.
DETAIL PART
DESIGN RELIABILITY ASSURANCE An article which is an element of a subassembly, minor
The function of ensuring that all design disciplines that assembly, or installation (complete equipment), and is of such
contcJ.bute to reliability have been followed. s/mple or inexpensive construction that it is neither practical

24
 DIGITAL DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM

nor economical to further disassemble for maintenance technically sound, reliable, safe, and meet established spec-
purposes. ifications or requirements.

DETAIL SPECIFICATION DEVELOPMENT VEHICLE

A detail description of a particular model of an item pre- A vehicle whose primary planned and programmed purpose
pared by the designer which cites all specific design mud is for flighttest of the vehicle under development as dis-
construction criteria. tinguished from the primary objective of launching satellites
or other payloads.

DEV
Deviation. DEVIATION DEV
A specific authorization, granted before the fact, to depart
from a particular requirement of specifications or related
DEVELOPMENT documents.
The application of known techniques and principles to pro- See-standard deviation
ducea desired result from the discoveries of research. In
the development stage a device is visualized and its per-
formance is anticipated. Development is characterized by DEWAR
deliberate planning, by ingenuity, and by synthesis of A multiple-wall, highly-insulated container for storing
knowledge in many fields. The result of development is the cyrogenic liquids such as htula hydrogen. Constructed
creation of plans ormodels for a new device, and the demon- much in the manner of the familiar "thermos" vacuum bottle.
stration by test that the prototype of the device fulfills the
objective of the development.
DF
Direct Flight.
DEVELOPMENT DATA
The data to be submitted after award of a contract for the
development of a system with operational configuration for DIAGRAM DRAWING
service evaluation. A drawing that delineates by symbols the features and
relationships of items and systems.
See-co.nection diagram
DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING INSPECTION DEI interconnection diagram
Inspection conducted to evaluate plans and insure that de- logic diagram
sign objectives are being accomplished with respect to schematic diagram
producibility, performance, all-weather capabilities, safety,
ease of operation, reliability,maintainability, and other
criteria. DIELECTROPHORESIS
The motion of electrically neutral bodies m a nonuniform
electric field.
DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING TEST
The phase during which the proper function of the components
of the system, in relation to one another, is assured. It DIELECTROPHORETIC PROPELLANT
includes the development engineering test of the prototype, ORIENTATION
necessary redesign and testing, modification of drawings In theory, the use of dielectrophoresis at zero gravity in
and specifications. which non-uniform electric helds can be produced m liquid
propellant tanks by the addition of an electrode and a high
voltage power supply. The propellant tank acts like a giant
DEVELOPMENT MODEL condenser with high voltage, but no current flow, between
A model designed to meet specified performance requirements the electrodes. Propellant globules are then collected to a
or to establish technical requirements for production items. desired location by applying the electric held.

DIGITAL COMPUTER
DEVELOPMENT TEST A computer which operates on the princtple of counting as
Test employed to generate engineering knowledge concern- opposed to measuring.
ing a design or piece of equipment. Development testing See-analog computer
will be used to determine and verify safety margins and ex-
plore modes of failure. DIGITAL DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM DDAS
A system used for instrumentation hardwire checkout. The
stage part of this system consists of time division multi-
DEVELOPMENT TESTING AND EVALUATION plexers, an electronic scanning switch, and an A-D converter.
Conducted to determine if theories, techniques, and material The ground equipment consists of the digital decoding re-
are practicable, or if equipment and component items are quired to present data words to the LCC _or evaluation.

25
 DIMENSION

DIMENSION DISPLAY AND CONTROL (SUBSYSTEM) D&C

A numericQ] value expressed in appropriate units of measure A console in which all dispjay and control devices of the
and Uldicated on drawings with lines, symbols, and notes various subsystems are mounted. It will include a map and
to define the geometrical characteristics of an object. visua/display unit, computer devices, etc.
See-angular dimensioning
base line dimensioning DISTRIBUTION
basic dimension See-cumulative distribution function
form dimension frequency distribution function
gage dimension gaussian distribution
limit dimensioning system normal distribution function
limits of a dimension
location dimension DISTRIBUTION FUNCTION OF LIFETIMES
peogressiue base line dimensioning The probability that a new product will fail by time T.
rectangular dimensioning The distribution function of lifetimes therefore represents
reference dimension that fraction of the original population expected to fail by
size dimension time T.

DIPLEXER DOCKING
A device permitting an antenna system to be used simul- The technique of closing and locking together two ormore
taneously or separately by two transmitters. Compare with spacecraft in orbit. The final stage of the rendezvous
duplexer. operation.

DOCUMENTATION
DIRECT ASCENT Information that is generated to record data required for con-
A boost trajectory that goes directly to the final burnout trol of design, production, procurement, maintenance, and
conditions and the coast trajectory without requirements supply of material, e.g., drawings, specifications, hand-
for a parking orblt or staging location. hooks, manuals, etc.
See-Type I Documentation
Type II Documentation
DIRECT FLIGHT Type Ill Documentation
A mode that accomplishes a rnzssZon without rendezvous or
combination after leaving the earth's surface. DOCUMENTED STAGE
A portion of a launch vehicle as described in the technical
requirements of the stage contractor's contract.
DISC
See-biota-out disc DOD
Department of Defense.

DISCONNECTS DOGHOUSE
See-fly-away disconnects A protuberance or blister that houses an instrument on an
otherwise smooth skin of a rocket or space vehicle.
DISH
A parabolic type of radio or radar antenna, similar to the DOLLY
shape of a soup bowl. A small wheeled truck or platform which can be used to move
pieces of equipment or assemblies.
DISLOCATION MOTION
The slip of adjacent rows of molecules in an imperfect DOPPLER EFFECT
crystalline structure which has a profound effect on the The apparent change Jn frequency of a sound or radio wave,
properties of the material. reaching an observer or a radio receiver, during a change
in distance or range between the source, the observer, or
DISPLACEMENT the receiver. The magnitude of the frequency shift is pro-
In vibratory motion,, the instantaneous distance of the object portional to the relative velocity of the source with respect
from the zero or rest position. The single amplitude dis- to the receiver.
placement is the maximum distance the object travels from
the zero position. The double amplitude displacement is the DOPPLER RADAR
maximum total distance the object travels both sides of the Radar that measures the velocity of a moving object by
zero position. measuring the shift in carner frequency of the return signal.
The shift is proportional to the velocity with which the ob-
DISPLAY
}ect approaches or recedes from the radar station.
The visual or graphic presentation of the output data of any
device or system. DOPPLER SHIFT
See-Apollo Guidance Ground Display The change in frequency with which energy reaches a re-
coupling display unit ceiver when the source of radiation or a reflector of the

26
 DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENTS

radiation
andthereceiverareinmotion
relative
toeach process drawing
other.Thedoppler
shiftisusedtnmanytrackingandnavi- production drawing
gation systems. roll size drawing
sketch drawing
DOPPLER VELOCITY AND POSITION DOVAP source control drawing
A tracking system wherein radio signals, sent by a ground tabulated drawing
station to a receiver in a spacecraft, are returned to the undimensioned drawing
earth on a different frequency. word description drawing

DOSIMETER DRIFT
A device, generally worn by persons working near radio- See-gym drill
active material, which indicates the amount (dose) of
radiation exposure. DROGUE PARACHUTE
A type of parachute attached to a body, used to slow it down.
DOSIMETRY Also called deceleration parachute, or drag parachute.
The measurement of small quantities or doses of radiation.
DRY CONDITION
DOUBLE SAMPLING A condition of a stage or module such that no fluids (liquid
Sampling inspection in which the inspection of the first or gaseous) other than those used for purging, drying, or
sample leads to a decision to accept, to reject, or to take a storage are contained within the module or stage.
second sample. The examination of a second sample when
required, always leads to a decision to accept or to reject. DRY RUN
A practice exercise or rehearsal especially observed in prep-
DOVAP aration for equipment operation or rocket launching.
Doppler Velocity and Position.
DRY WEIGHT
DOWN TIME The weight of a vehicle without its fuel, or propellants, or
The total time dunng which the system is not in condition other fluids.
to perform its intended function. Down time can in turn be
subdivided into repair time, logistic time and administrative DSGN
time. Design.
See-supply downtime
total mean downtime DSIF
Deep Space Instrumentation Facility.
DOWNRANGE
A direction away from the launch site toward the impact or
target area. Missile test range. DUAL THRUST
Thrust derived from two propellant grains using the same
DRAG propulsion section of a missile or space vehicle.
Aerodynamic force in a direction opposite to that of flight
and due to the resistance of the body to motion in air. DUPLEXER
See-li/t drag ratio A device which permits a single antenna system to be used
for both transmitting and receiving.
DRAWING DRWG
Representation of components or system. DUST BED REACTOR
See-arrangement drawing A nuclear reactor with the fuel in the form of a finely divided
assembly drawing powder rather than coventional solid structure.
class I drawing
component drawing DRWG
construction drawing Drawing.
detail drawing
diagram drawing DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR
engineering drawing The behavior of a system or component under actual opera-
envelope drawing tion conditions e. g., acceleration, vibration.
erection drawing
/grin drawing DYNAMIC CONVERSION
installation drawing The conversion of energy from one form to another through
interlace drawing the use of a moving device, e.g., a reciprocating engine or
kit drawing turbo-alternator.
matched parts drawing
modi/ied drawing DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENTS
oHicial drawing Environments consisting of dynamic forces such as those
plan drawing due to vibrations, shock, and accelerations.

27
DYNAMIC LOAD

DYNAMIC LOAD DYNAMIC STABILITY

A load associated with the elastic deformations of a struc- The property of a body (a rocket or airplane) that, when dis-
ture subjected to time-dspendent external forces. turbed from an original state of steay flight or motion, damp-
ens the oscillations set up by the restoring movements,
DYNAMIC LOCK-UP gradually returning the body to its original state.
Results from a simulated flow stoppaqe under operational
conditions using a solenoid actuated valve.
DYNAMIC TEST STAGE
DYNAMIC PRESSURE Flight-type, non-propulsive stage for use in composite
Symbol (Q) Saturn vehicle dynamic testing. Capable of being filled with
(1) The pressure exerted by a fluid, such as air, by virtue of a fuel substitute, pressurized, and drained, with weight and
its motion. center of gravity the same as for flight. Non-gimballing
(2) The pressure exerted on a body, by virtue of its motion masses simulate engines.
through a fluid. E.g., the pressure exerted on a rocket
moving through the atmosphere. DYSBARISM
A general term which includes a complex variety of symptoms
DYNAMIC RESPONSE within the body caused by changes in ambient barometric
The time varying motion of a given structure to a given force pressure, exclusive of hypoxia. Characteristic symptoms are
input. For instance, for a space vehicle that is exposed to bends and abdominal gas pains at altitudes above 25,000 to
side acting winds during flight, the dynamic response would 30,000 feet. Also at increased barometric pressure, as in
consist of a rigid body rotation of the vehicle plus a bending descent from high altitude, the symptoms are characterized
deformation, both varying with time. by painful distention of the ear drums and sinuses.
 E
E MAD ECCENTRIC ORBIT
Engine Maintenance Assembly and Disassembly Building. A highly eliptical orbit having a very high apogee and low
perigee.
EAFB
Edwards Air Force Base. ECCENTRICITY
The degree of deviation from a circular orbit.
EAM
Electric accounting machine. ECHO
Passive reflecting inflatable satellite.
EARLY FAILURE PERIOD
The period of equipment life starting just after final assem- ECLIPSE
bly where equipment failures occur initially at a higher than See--annular eclipse
normal rote due to the presence of defective parts and ab-
normal operating procedures . Also called "Debugging" or ECLIPTIC
HBurn-inH period. Plane of the earth's orbit around the sun. Used as a refer-
ence plane for other interplanetary orbits.
EARTH FIXED REFERENCE
An oriented system using some earth phenomena for
positioning. ECLIPTIC PLANE
The plane of the earth's motion about the sun.
EARTH LANDING SYSTEM ELS
A parachute deployment system in the command module (CM) ECOLOGICAL SYSTEM
for returning the flight crew safely to Earth following re- A habitable environment, either created artificially such as
entry. It provides post-entry stabilization, velocity control, in a m_ed space vehicle or occurring naturally such as the
and impact attenuation. environment on the surface of the earth in which man,
animals, or other organisms can live in mutual relationship
EARTH ORBIT RENDEZVOUS EOR with each other.
A mode involving rendezvous and coupling, fueling, or See-closed ecological system
transfer in an earth parking orbit to accomplish a mission.
ECOSPHERE
Spherical extent inhabited by living organisms or suitable
EARTH-STABILIZED SATELLITES for life of such organisms. Also, layer of space about the
Satellites whose axes maintain a constant relationship to sun extending from and including Venus through Mars.
the center of the Earth, although not to a fixed spot on the
surface of the Earth. ECP
Engineering change proposal.

EARTH'S HEAT BUDGET ECS

The integrated consideration of gains and losses in the Environmental Control System.
Earth's radiation. The major gains deriving from solar rodi-
atian. The major losses being those from emitting radiation. EDP CENTER
Electronic data-processing center.

EBULLISM EDPC
The formation of bubbles, with particular reference to water Electronic data processing center.
vapor bubbles in biological fluids, caused by reduced
ambient pressure. EFFECTIVE ATMOSPHERE

That part of the atmosphere which effectively influences a

particular process of motion, such as aerodynamic support,
EBW or air friction.
Exploding Bridge Wire.
EFFECTIVE EXHAUST VELOCITY
ECCENTRIC The velocity of an exhaust stream after being reduced by
Not having the same center. Varying from a circle, as in the effects of friction, heat transfer, nonaxially directed
eccentric orbit. flow, and other conditions.

29
EGADS BUTTON

EGADS BUTTON ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM

A button used by the range safety officer to destruct a mis- The measurement and recorainq of brain voltages or waves.
sile in flight. The word EGADS is an acronym for Electronic The instrument used for this purpose is called an
Ground Automatic Destruct Sequencer. electroencephalograph.

EGO ELECTRO JET

Eccentric Geophysical Observatory (part of OCO) A concentrated stream of electricity of limited width. One
such stream flows westward on the morning side of the
EGRESS Earth, and a weaker one flows eastward on the evening side.
The act of or the mechanism for exit from an enclosure. In
spacecraft this can relate to the act of a crew member exit-
ing from the vehicle or it can describe the exit chamber, ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
pressure lock and hatchways. Energy propagated through space or through material
media in the form of an advancing disturbance in electrical
EJECTION CAPSULE and magnetic fields existing in space or in the media. Also
(1) In an aircraft or manned spacecraft, a detachable com- called simply radiation.
partmeat serving as a cockpit or cabin, which may be ejected
as a unit and parachuted to the ground.
(2) In an artificial satellite, probe, or unmanned spacecraft, ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
a boxlike unit usually containing recording instruments or A collective term for all known radiation from the shortest-
records of observed data, which may be ejected and returned waved gamma rays thru x-rays, ultraviolet, visible light,
to Earth by a parachute or other deceleration device. infrared waves, to radio waves.

EKG
Electrocardioqraph.
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE
EI_ASTICIZER Form in which radiant energy travels, produced by oscilla-
An elastic substance or fuel used in a solid rocket propel- tion of an electric charge, and including waves of radio,
lant to prevent cracking of the propellant grain and to bind infrared, visible light, ultra-violet light, x-rays, gamma rays,
it to the combustion chamber case. and cosmic rays when considered as quanta of energy.

ELECTRIC ENGINE
Projected ion or plasma engine, so named because of the ELECTRON
separation of charged particles. The subatomic particle that possesses the smallest possible
electric charge.
ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM
There are two independent electrical power systems in the
Apollo spacecraft. The one which supplies power to the ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING
command module (CM) has major components located in both The use of electronic devices and systems in theprocessinq
the command module and the service module (SM). The of data so as to interpret the data and put it into usable
other supplies, regulates, and distributes all electrical form.
power required by the lunar excursion module (LEM). Major
power sources are fuel cells and batteries.
ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING CENTER EDPC
ELECTRIC PROPULSION A center that maintains automatic equipment, including com-
The generation of thrust for a rocket engine involving accel- puters, designed to simplify the use and interpretation of
eration of a propellant by some electrical device such as the mass of data gathered by modern instrumentation instal-
an arc jet, ion engine, or maqnetohydrodynamic accelerator. lations or information collection agencies.

ELECTRO-CHEMICAL CELL ELECTRONIC GROUND AUTOMATIC

Genetic term for chemical battery. Device for producing DESTRUCT SEQUENCER EGADS
electricity by chemical reaction. A destruct system control used by the range safety officer
to destroy a missile in flight.
ELECTROCARDIOGRA PH EKG
An instrument which measures and records the electric ELECTRONIC NOISE INTERFERENCE
current or voltage wave forms associated with the action of Any electrical disturbance generated in an equipment, which
the heart muscles. The record produced is called an elec- may produce an undesirable indication, response, or malfunc-
trocardiogram or cardiogram. tion in some other equipment. This is exclusive of inter-
ference which may be caused by a transmitter radiating its
ELECTRODE EROSION proper fundamental signal.
The gradual destruction of the component of an electric arc
from which the arc emanates by a combination of heat, ELECTROSTATIC
chemical reaction, and physical shock. Electricity at rest. Stationary electrical particles.

30
 ENVELOPE DRJ_WING

ELECTROSTATIC CHARGE photon engine

The difference in electric potential of a material and its sur- plasma engine
roundings in the condition when there is no flow of elec- reaction engine
trical current between this material and its surroundings. rocket engine
sustainer engine
ELECTROSTATIC GYRO vernier engine
A qyro supported by an electrostatic field.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE ASSEMBLY
EL5 AND DISASSEMBLY (BUILDING) E MAD
Earth landing system. A facility at the nuclear rocket development station (NRDS)
for thenerva engine.
EMISSIVE POWER
See-monocbromatic emmissiue _ower ENGINE SLING
total emissiue power A piece of equipment consisting of a spreader barprovided
with a hoist eye and lifting legs for attachment to the engine.
EMISSIVITY
The term for the relative power of a surface or a material, ENGINE SURGE
composing a surface,to emit heat by radiation. Uneven performance of an engine.

EMITTANCE ENGINE-STAGE INTEGRATION

See-bemispberical emittance The uniting of the engine and vehicle stage to determine
monochromatic emittance interface problems.
total emittance
ENGINEERING
EMPIRE See-buman engineering
Early Manned Planetary Interruptionless Round-trip quality engineering
Expedition. systems engineering

EMPTY WEIGHT ENGINEERING CONFIDENCE

The design gross weight less the design useful load. Confidence, in a design or product, which is based on
en_neering calculations and tests.
END ITEM
A combination of parts, assemblies, accessories, or attach- ENGINEERING DATA
ments, which are integrated to form an equipment that ac- Engineering drawings, supporting specifications, indexes,
complishes a specific function when put to use. An end and related engineering documents.
item is complete within itself and classified as such for
purposes of separate manufacture, procurement, drawings, ENGINEERING DRAWING
specifications, storage, issue, maintenence, or use. Dimensionally verifiable engineering delineations setting
forth pictorial or descriptive language representations, or
END PRODUCT combinations thereof. They present the complete engineering
A term used to denote the product being offered for sale by requirements for fabrication inspection, evaluation, and
manufacturing concerns. It is synonomous with end item. identification of all details, assemblies, and units of the
finished product.
END USE
The purpose for which the ultimate consumer employs a ENGINEERING MODEL
device. First development model of the complete technical system
used to demonstrate the technical principles of operation.
ENERGETIC PARTICLE It is the first approach to a system including tactical, logis-
An electron, positron, neutron, or other elementary particle tical, and technical considerations.
of matter traveling at extremely high speeds. Such particles
originate in outer space or from the Sun and lose their energy ENGINEERING TEST
in the atmosphere. A test conducted by, or under supervision of, the technical
service concerned, with a scientific approach where the
ENGINE objective of the test is to determine inherent structural,
See-booster engine electrical, or other physical and chemical qualities of the
electric engine item or system tested, including those of an environmental
F-I engine nature.
H-I engine See-development engineering test
ion engine final engineering test
liquid-air cycle engine
lunar retrograde engine ENVELOPE DRAWING
M-I engine An envelope drawing shows outline, overall and mounting
oxygen-bydrocarbon engine dimensions, and other dimensions and data necessary to

31
ENVIRONMENT

disclosemechanical, electrical,functionaland physical EQUIP

interchangeability
of items regardlessof the detaildesign. Equipment.

ENVIRONMENT EQUIPMENT EQUIP"

The aggregate of all the conditions and influences which One or more assemblies, or a combination of items, capable
affect the operation of equipments and components. of independently performing a complete function.
See--arti/ical environment See-auxiliary equipment
induced enuironment checkout equipment
immediate enuironment complete operating equipment
natural environment contractor/urnisbed equipment
physical enuironment gouernment [urnisbed equipment
ground servicing equipment
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM ECS ground support equipment
This system, with components located in all three space- IblU ground support equipment
craft modules but primarily in the command module (CM), inertial component test equipment
maintains cabin environment in the command module and mass properties determination equipment
the lunar excursion module (LEM), provides a conditioned operational ground equipment
atmosphere for pressure suit operation, provides thermal stage calibration equipment
control of equipment in all three modules, and is used for
recharging the portable life support subsystems. EQUIPMENT FAILURE
When an equipment no longer meets the minimum acceptable
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL specified performance and cannot be restored through opera-
SYSTEM RADIATOR tor adjustment of controls.
A heat exchanger used in the environmental control system
to dissipate, in space, heat from the environmental control EQUIPMENT LONGEVITY
system in the spacecraft. The length of the normal operating period of equipment life
specified either in terms of equipment hours or operations
ENVIRONMENTAL RANGE per calendar time.
The ranqe of environment throughout which a system or
portion thereof is capable of operation at the specified level EQUIPMENT RELIABILITY
of reliability. The probability of performing a specified function, under
See-acceptable enuiromental range test given conditions, at a measured reliability index (average
failure ratein terms of its reciprocal mean-time-between-
ENVIRONMENTAL SPACE CHAMBER failures) and for measured equipment longevity (the total
A chamber (sometimes a simulated spacecraft) in which hu- period of time during which this quality is maintained).
midity, temperature, pressure, fluid contents, noise and
movement may be controlled so as to simulate different
space conditions. It is normally used for astronaut training. ERECTION DRAWING
Shows procedure and operation sequence for erection or
ENVIRONMENTAL TEST AND assembly of individual items or assemblies of items.
SERVICE BUILDING
A facility that provides the equipment checking and testing ESCAPE
of environmental systems and components installed in the A sufficient velocity outward from a primary body so as
spacecraft. neither to fall back to the body nor to orbit it.

ENVIRONMENTAL TOLERANCE ESCAPE TOWER

The ability of a system, or portion thereof, to operate within A tower, mounted atop the command module, containing a
a specified range. cluster of small rockets to jettison the spacecraft from the
booster in the event of a mission abort.
EOR
Earth Orbit Rendezvous. ESCAPE TRAJECTORY
That path a body must follow to escape a central force field.
EPHEMERIS
ESCAPE VELOCITY
Book of tables giving daily positions of celestial bodies.
The velocity which is required by an object to overcome the
EQUATORIAL ORBIT gravitational pull of the earth or other astronomical body
An orbit in the plane of the Earth's equator. to move into space. The escape velocity from earth's grav-
ity field is approximately seven miles per second.
EQUI-PERIOD TRANSFER ORBIT
ESSENTIAL REPAIR
Elliptical lunar orbit utilized by the lunar excursion module
to approach within approximately 50,000 feet of the lunar Only those repairs necessary to ensure that an end item is
surface while maintaining the same orbital period as that of restored to a serviceable condition and will efficiently
the command module and service module. accomplish its intended purpose.

32
 EYEBALLS UP

EXHAUST NOZZLE EXPLODING BRIDGE WIRE SYSTEMS

That portion of the thrust chamber which lies on the down- Equipment and ordnance capable of initiating stage
stream side at the nozzle throat. retrorocket, separation and destruct system ordnance
equipment.
EXHAUST STREAM
The stream of gaseous, atomic or radiant particles, that EXPLORER SATELLITE SERIES
emit from the nozzle of a reaction engine. A series of small scientific satellites (up to 300 pounds)
launched into near-earth orbits to investigate space
EXHAUST SYSTEM phenomena.
A part of an air vehicle's power plant installation. It in-
cludes all manifolds or stacks used for collecUng and con- EXPLOSIVE BOLT
ducting exhaust gases to points of discharge, for utilizing A boltincorporatingan explosive which is detonatedon com-
exhaust heat, or cooling exhaust gases, for effectinq flame mand, thus destroyingthe boltand releasingthe mated unit.
damping and for silencing exhaust noise. Used to separateone stage from another.

EXHAUST VELOCITY EXPLOSIVE-DEVICES SIMULATOR SET

The velocity of exhaust gases through the nozzle of a rocket Auxiliary equipment facilitating GSE combined systems
engine or motor. checkout of the spacecraft and launch devices. The simu-
See--effectiue exbaust uelocity lator measures the magnitude of the firing impulse to deter-
mine whether the explosive device would hove fired, and
EXOBIOLOGY verifies that no undesired impulses are present to cause
The study of living organisms existing on celestial bodies accidental firing.
other than the Earth.
EXPOSED TEST POINT
EXOSPHERE A test pointwhich is readilyaccessible when the equipment
The outermost fringe or layer of the atmosphere where col- is in normal operatingconditionand position.
lisions between molecular particles are so rare that only the
force of gravity will return escaping molecules to the upper EXTERIOR BALLISTICS
atmosphere. A branch of ballisticsconcerned with the behaviorof a mis-
sileduring flight,
influencedby conditionsof airdensity,
EXOTIC FUEL temperatures,velocityetc.
Any fuel considered to be unusual, as a boron-based fuel.

EXPANSION LOOP EXTRAGALACTIC NEBULAE

A device included in the transfer line of the RP-1 fuel sys- Star systems outside our own galaxy.
tem complex which compensates for expansion and contrac-
tion due to changes in temperature. EXTRATERRESTRIAL
From outside the Earth.
EXPERIMENT
See-critical [light experiment EXTRAVEHICULAR
piggy back experiment Outside the vehicle.

EXPERIMENTAL MODEL EYEBALLS DOWN

A model of the complete equipment to demonstrate the techni- Positiveg. The acceleration stress that the subjectexperi-
cal soundness of the basic idea. ences as acting from above.

EXPERIMENTS EYEBALLS IN
See-critical flight experiments Supine g. The acceleration stressexperienced in the chest-
to-back direction.
EXPLODING BRIDGE WIRE EBW
A metal or metal alloy wire which is violently disintegrated EYEBALLS OUT
by the compression of a large pulse of electrical energy, Prone g. The acceleration stress experienced in the back-
producing a shock wave, temperatures up to 106 degrees to-chest direction.
kelvin, and electromagnetic radiation, infrared through
X-rays. Such equipment in conjunction with ordnance is EYEBALLS UP
commonly used in systems for initiating stage retrorocket, Negative g. The acceleration stress that the subject experi-
separation and destruct systems. ences as acting from below.

33
F
F-1 ENGINE FAILURE
A liquid-propellant rocket engine designed to develop I-I/2 The inability of a system, subsystem, component, or port
million pounds of thrust at sea level. The F-1 uses liquid to perform its required function.
oxygen (LOX) and kerosene-base fuel (RP-1) as propellants, See-catastropbic failure
and will be used in the first stage of the Saturn V and chance failure
Nova launch vehicles. Cognizant center Marshall Space critical failure
Flight Center. degradation failure
earlyfailureperiod
FABRICATION TOLERANCE equipment failure
The maximum variation in the characteristics of a component fatal failure
which, when related to the defined variations of the other independent failures
components comprising this equipment, will permit operation initial failure
of the equipment within specified limits. mean cycles to failure
meantime between failures
FABU mean time to failure
Fuel Additive Blender Unit. mean time to first failure
part failure
FACILITIES random failure
A physical plant or installation to permit the performance of secondary [ailure
a function (buildings, shelters, roads, utilities, shops, system chance [ailures
etc.). test to failure
See-test [acilities wearout failures

FACILITY
See-pyrotechnic test and weigbt and balance [acility FAILURE MECHANISM
reaction control facility The physical process which resultsin a partor_
equipment
spacecraft operations and checkout facility failure.
See-failure mode
FACTOR
See-confidence [actor
degradation factor FAILURE MODE
human [actors The physical description of the manner in which a failure
importance factor or criticality factor occurs, and the operating condition of the equipment at the
load lactor time of the failure.
physiological factors See--failure mechanism
safety factor
yield strength load factor FAILURE MODE ANALYSIS
An extensive proqram to isolate all known failure modes and
FACTOR OF SAFETY to identify these failure modes with the appropriate materials,
The ratio of the criterion load or stress to the limit load or production processes, production controls, and environments
stress. or design.

FACTORIAL DESIGN
In experimental design, the selection for testing of combina- FAILURE MODE AND EFFECT ANALYSIS
tions of values of all independent variables, or factors, An analysis of possible modes of failure, their cause, ef-
which are characteristic of the entire allowable variable fects, expected frequency of occurrence and means of
ranges. elimination.

FAE FAILURE RATE

Final Approach Equipment. Hate at which failures occur as a function of time. If the
failure rate is constant, it is frequently expressed as the
FAIL-SAFE DESIGN reciprocal of mean time between failure (MTBF).
Design considerations to prevent probable equipment failures See-equipment failure rate
or malfunctionswhich may injure the operatoror the equip- part failure rate
ment itself. system [ailure rate

34
 FIRING CHAMBER

FAILURE REPORTING AND FIELD MAINTENANCE

CORRECTIVE ACTION Maintenance authorized and performed by designated main-
A systematic and comprehensive method of reporting all tenance activities in direct support of a using organization.
failures and a plan for implementing corrective action as a r

result of these failures. FILM COOLING

The cooling of a body or surface, such as the inner surface
FALLAWAY SECTION of arocket combustion chamber, by maintaining a thin fluid
A section of a rocket vehicle that separates from the vehicle layer over the affected area.
during flight, especially such a section that falls back to
Earth. FILTER/SEPARATOR
A device designed to remove foreign material and condensa-
FAMU tion from fluids such as RP-1 fuel.
Fuel Additive Mixture Unit.
FINAL APPROACH EQUIPMENT (SUBSYSTEM) FAE
FATAL FAILURE This subsystem involves the combined usage of the Apollo
A failure which results in the loss of human life. guidance and navigation equipment subsystems, radar,
radio altimeter etc., required in effectinq a safe approach
FATIGUE and landing on the Moon or upon return to Earth.
A weakening or deterioration of metal or other material, or
of amember occurring under load, especially under repeated,
cyclic, or continued loading. FINAL CALIBRATION CURVE
Output characteristics of a measuring device or component
FATIGUE LOADS obtained from a calibration test.
Loads applied to a structure which by their repetitive nature
produce a fatigue failure of the structure. FINAL ENGINEERING TEST
The phase which provides the final ordnance corps indepen-
dent evaluation of a system, major combination, or end item.
FAULT It includes the issuance of the test directive by the assistant
An attribute which adversely affects the reliability of chief of ordnance, the submission of a test plan by the test
a device. agency, the procurement of items to be tested, the conduct
of the test in conformance with the plan, and concludes with
FEASIBILITY STUDY the evaluation of the test results.
The phase during which studies are made of a proposed
item or technique to determine the deqree to which it is
practicable, advisable, and adaptable for the intended FINAL MEASUREMENT
purpose. The last actural measurement of mass properties made by a
contractor prior to delivery to the procuring activity.
FEATURE
Distinctive characteristic of one or more surfaces of a part
such as a rabbe t, hole, screw thread, etc. FINAL TRIM
The final adjustment of a ballistic missile to insure exact
FEED HORN direction as proqrammed for its flight (normally accomplished
A device that radiates or collects enerqy from a parabolic by vernier engines).
antenna.
FINISH
FEED-BACK INSTRUMENTS Any surface treatment to protect equipment or enhance
Instruments in which part of the output signal is fed back as appearances.
input at proper phases to amplify or decrease strength of the
signal. FINS
See-stub/ins
FIELD
A region of space, at each point of which a given physical FIRE
quantity has some definite value, thus a gravitational field, Flight investigation reentry environment.
electric field, magnetic field, etc.
See-data field FIRING (TYPES OF)
depth of field See-flight readiness firings
flow fields full duration static test firing
geomagnetic field static firing

FIELD CHANGE ORDER FIRING CHAMBER

Instructions issued by field service division to field per- Chamber in a rocket engine in which the fuel and oxidizer
sonnel for making desired changes to items of equipment are ignited, and in which pressures of gases are built up to
in field use. provide an exhaust velocity sufficient to attain thrust.

35
 FIRING ROOM

FIRING ROOM FLEXIBILITY

A room in the launch control center of complex 39 which will Design features to permit rapid change from primary to
contain the necessary electrical panels to monitor and initi- secondary capability.
ate the operation of each facility operation and controlled
from the pad terminal connection room. FLIGHT
The phase of operations beginning with lift-off and ending
FIRST MOTION when the command module lands upon the earth
First indication of motion of a missile from its launcher. See-coasting [ligbt
Synonymous with takeoff for vertically launched missiles. direct/light

FISSION FLIGHT ACCEPTANCE TEST

The release of nuclear energy through splitting of atoms A test conducted to prove that the actual operational hard-
ware intended for flight use has been fabricated in accord-
FISSION FRAGMENT CONVERTER ance with specifications. Tests are conducted under con-
A device that utilizes charged fission fragments from fission ditions expected to be encountered in actual operations.
plates to produce electrical power

FISSION FRAGMENT PHYSICS FLIGHT CREW

The study of the behavior of the high energy particles re- The Apollo flight crew consists of three men who are cross
sulting from a nuclear fission reaction. trained to be capable of manning any of the command module
(CM) duty stations. The three crewmen are designated
FISSURING commander, navigator, and systems manager. The CM
An undesired cracking or splitting of solid propellants. Re- commander is also the lunar excursion module (LEM)
sults in increased burning areas and increased rate of gas commander.
evolution.

FIT FLIGHT MISSION

General term used to signify the range of tightness which Within a project, the specific technical or scientific objec-
may result from the application of a specific combination of tive to be accomplished by a given launching of a space
allowances and tolerances in the design of mating parts. vehicle or launch vehicle.
See-actual fit
clearance [it
interference /it FLIGHT PROFILE
transition [it A graphic portrayal or plot of a vehicle's flight path in the
vertical plane.
FIXED SATELLITE
An Earth satellite that orbits from west to east at such a FLIGHT READINESS FIRINGS FRF
speed as to remain constantly over a given place on the Missile system tests, of short duration, conducted with the
Earth's equator. propulsion system operating while the missile is secured to
the launcher.
FLAME BUCKET
Opening built into launch pads to collect hot gases during FLIGHT RELIABILITY
rocket thrust buildup. The probability that a flight will be successfully completed
based on successful completion of countdown.
FLAME-RESISTANT MATERIAL
A material which will not support combustion. FLIGHT RESEARCH CENTER (NASA) FRC
A unique and highly specialized facility, emphasizing re-
search on manned flight in extreme-performance aircraft and
FLAMMABLE spacecraft. It is located at Edwards, Calif., adjacent to
Capable of being easily ignited, preferred to the older Edwards Air Force Base.
equivalent inflammable.
FLIGHT SEQUENCER
A component that receives voltages from the programmer or
FLARE (SUN) GSE and in turn supplies an output voltage to other com-
A bright eruption from the Sun's chromosphere. ponents in the vehicle system.
See-solar/tare
FLIGHT SIMULATOR
FLASHBACK Synthetic flight trainer capable of simulating a complete
A reversal of flame propagation in a system (counter to the flight of a specified space vehicle.
usual flow of the combustible mixture).
FLIGHT STAGE
FLASHLIGHT The complete space vehicle at any given paint in the flight
Geodetic triangulation survey technique using space flares. trajectory.

36
 FUEL

FLIGHT TEST FORM DRAWING

Tests involving rocket powered flight in an upward trajectory Contains established information pertinent to an item, part,
from the Earth's surface. May include sub-orbital, orbital, or or component preprinted on a drawing form.
translunar flights. G

See-simulated [ligbt test FORMATION OF LOTS

Each lot shall, as far as zs practicable, consist of units of
FLIGHT TESTING product of a single type, grade, class, size, or composition
Program of complete vehicle launches (including combina- manufactured under essentially the same conditions.
tions of nonpropulsive and live stages) utilizing the full
capability of the range to provlae space position information FP
and to record and store the telemetry signals. Freezing Point.

FLOW FPS
See-hypersonic/low Feet Per Second.
laminar flow
weight flow rate FRANGIBLE TUBE LOAD ALLEVIATOR
System which consists of tubes attached to the landing
FLOW FIELDS vehicle and to a die attached to a landing skid or foot. The
The total condition of a fluid or gas flowing around abedy tube presses over the die during impact and fails in
includinq speed, pressure, density, and heat. fragments.

FLUID BED REACTOR FRC

A nuclear reactor with fuel in o fluid state. Flight Research Center.

FLUTTER FREE FALL

The unstable self-excited oscillation of an airfoil and its The motion of any unpowered body in a gravitational field.
associated structure in flight, caused by a combination of
the aerodynamic, inertial, and elastic characteristics of FREE-FLIGHT TRAJECTORY
the components themselves, and not by an externally applied A ballistic missile's trajectory that begins with thrust cut-
vibratory excitations. off and ends at reentry.
See-coupled serve flutter

FLY-AWAY DISCONNECTS FREEZE-OUT METHOD

Umbilical connections or other connections to the stages of A method for controlling the composition of gases or liquids
the space vehicle which alsconnect from the space vehicle by freezing and separating frozen matter from the remaining
at lift-off, either mechanically or by the actual rising of the liquids or fluids.
vehicle off the launch pad.

FLY-WHEEL TYPE RESONANCE FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION FUNCTION

Resonance between a once-per-revolution forcing function, The derivation of the cumulative distribution function.
either mechanacal or aerodynamic, and a natural mode of rotor See--cumulative distribution /unction
vibration in the direction of the rotor plane.

FM/CW FREQUENCY MODULATED

Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave. CONTINUOUS WAVE FM/CW
A radio or radar signal whose frequency is continuously
FORCE varied.
See-brute force metbod
centrifugal force FRF
centripetal [orce Flight Readiness Firings.
coriolis force
inertial force FROST
pound force Food Reserves On Space Trips.
See-ice/rest
FORCE-BREAK MACH NUMBER

Speed at which a radical change occurs in the aerodynamic FUEL

characteristics of an aircraft resulting in increasing values See-chemical fuel
of the drag coefficient. cyrogenic /uel
exotic fuel
FORM DIMENSION
hydrocarbon/uel
One which cannot be properly defined by dimensions of size bypergolic fuel
or location. The angle of the frustrum of a cone, the involute nuclear fuel
of a gear tooth, the angle of a threud, etc. RP-I /uel system complex

37
 FUEL CELL

FUEL CELL FUNCTIONAL TEST

A continuously fed battery which converts chemical energy A test performed to demonstrate that the item operates as
directly into electrical energy by mixing a fuel and an oxi- specified (required).
dizer in a cell. Because it is continuously fed, it produces
electricity over a longer period of time than a storage
battery. FUNCTIONING ITEM
Any assembly, component, or part which affects the opera-
FUEL PAD
tion of the end article and which is replaceable in the field
An area which contains all the equipment necessary to by organizational, field, or depot teams.
store, filter and transfer fuel from the fuel pad storage tanks
through transfer lines to the space vehicle fuel tanks. The
fuel pad is considered part of a fuel system complex. FUNGAL SPORE
A reproductive form of a fungus which can survive environ-
FULL DURATION STATIC TEST FIRING mental extremes.
The testing of a vehicle component, engine or stage, in a
stationary or hold-down position for its full rated time.
FUSION
FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS
The release of nuclear energy through uniting of atoms.
(FOR MAINTAINABILITY)
The investigation of alternative man and machine capabili-
ties which may be used to satisfy established system require- FUSION ROCKET
ments. The analytical basis for allocating activities to A conceptual nuclear rocket utilizing the nuclear fusion pro-
personnel and equipment so as to achieve optimum system cess for the energy sources, as distinguished from the
performance. fission process.

FUNCTIONAL RELIABILITY
The probability that a system will successfully complete FUSION WELD
the final checkout preparatory to launching, given that it A weld made by melting material, usually a filler material,
was ready at demand. by electric arc or gas flame. Pressure is not used and base
metal is melted in the process.
FUNCTIONAL SURFACE
The surface of apart or an assembly which controls the posi- FY
tioning of the parts in the assembly. Fiscal Year.

38
 G
G OR G-FORCE GAS CONVERTER BUILDING
The measure or value of the gravitational pull of the earth A building or facility which contains equipment necessary
as modified by the earth's rotation, equal to the acceleration to pressurize and vaporize liquid fluids such as nitrogen
of a freely moving body at the rate of 32.16 feet per second. and helium.
See--ne_atiue g
positiue g GAS GENERATOR
supine g A combustion chamber used to provide hot gases for a tur-
bine or motor to drive the propellant pumps of a rocket
G&N engine, or to provide a source of gas at some predetermined
Guidance And Navigation. pressure program. Gas generators are usually operated fuel-
rich to maintain the container temperature at reduced values.
G-SUIT
A device that exerts pressure on the abdomen and lower GAS STORAGE BATTERY
parts of the body to prevent or retard the collection of blood A system of high pressure gas storage cylinders, including
below the chest, under positive acceleration. a manifold of associated valves, regulators and pipings
capable of storing high-pressure gaseous nitrogen and hel-
ium (part of the high-pressure gas storage facility).
G-TOLERANCE
The tolerance in c person, animal or equipment to an accel-
erottan of a particular value. GAS VORTEX SYSTEM
A cavity reactor in which the nuclear fuel is separated from
the propellant by centrifugal force.
GAGE DIMENSION
The term gage is applied to a working dimension with a zero GASEOUS CORE REACTOR
tolerance. A nuclear reactor with fuel in a gaseous rather than solid
state.

GALACTIC ASTRONOMY GCTS

The study of the galaxies and their components. Ground Communications Tracking Systems.

GALACTIC COSMIC RAYS GEGENSCHEIN

Cosmic rays that do not originate in the san are referred to Faint light area of the sky always opposite the position of
as galactic cosmic rays and are those of the greatest energy. the Sun on the celestial sphere. Believed to be the reflec-
tion of sunlight from particles moving beyond the Earth's
GAMMA RADIATION orbit.
Electromagnetic radiation, similar to x-rays, originating from
the nucleus of an atom and having a high degree of GEMINI
penetration. A project to develop space rendezvous and docking tech-
niques in orbit, using a two-man capsule.
GAMMA RAY
An electromagnetic radiation or wave form emitted by a GENERATION
radioactive nucleus and similar to x-rays but of higher Technical or technological development stage or period that
energy and shorter wavelength. is marked by features of performance nonexistent in a pre-
vious period of development or production.
GANTRY
A crane-type structure, with platforms on different levels, GENERATION BREAKDOWN
used to erect, assemble, and service large rockets or An outline of a missile or a missile system, listing major
missiles. combinations, major items, principal items and secondary
items in descending order, including drawing numbers.
GARBAGE (COLLOQUIAL)
Miscellaneous objects in orbit, usually material ejected or GENERATOR
broken away from a launch vehicle or satellite. See-thrust generator

GAS CAP GEO

See--incandescent gas cap A prefix meaning Earth.

39
 GEOCENTRIC

GEOCENTRIC GIMBAL
Relatingtoormeasuredfromthe Earth'scenter. (1) A device with two mutually perpendicular and intersect-
ing axes of rotation. Provides a free angular movement in
GEODESY two directions, on which an engine or other object may be
Science which treats the shape and size of the Earth through mounted.
applied mathematics. (2) In a gym, a support which provides the spin axis with
a degree-of-freedom.
GEODETIC
See--inner 8imbal axis
Pertaining to or determined by g_desy. inter gimbal subassembly
outer gimbal axis
GEOHYDROMAGNETICS
The study of the upper atmosphere and radiation belts that GIMBALLED
surround the Earth, and their interactions with charged par- Swivelled on two perpendicular ann intersecting axes of ro-
ticles streaming from the Sun's and the Earth's magnetic tation so that the gimballea part may be reclined in either
field. axis or on a combmabon of both.

GEOMAGNETIC FIELD GIMBALLED ACTUATOR

The magnetic field of force surrounding the Earth, A hydraulically controlled Inechgnism for vehicle guidance
which produces the necessary forces to move vehicle engines
GEOMAGNETISM in any direction around the centerhne of a suspension device
The magnetic phenomena, collectively considered, exhibited holding the engine.
by the Earth and its atmosphere. The magnetic phenomena
in interplanetary space. GIMBALLED MOTOR
A rocket motor mounted on a glmbol to correct pitching and
yawing.
GEOPHYSICS
The physics of Earth and itsenvironment. GNOTOBIOTICS
The study of germ-free animals.

GEOPOTENTIAL GO, NO-GO

The potential energy of a unit mass relative to sea level, A term used to indicate o condihon of a part, component,
numerically equal to the work that would be done in lifting system, etc., which can have only two parameters. Go
the umt mass from sea level to the height at which the mass (functioning properly) or no-go (not functioning properly).
is located. Commonly expressed in terms of dynamic height
or geopotential height.
GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER GSFC
NASA'S Goddard Space Flight Center is responsible for
GEOPROBE development of unmanned sounding and Earth orbiting space-
A non recoverable scientific probe to obtain vertical pro- craft experiments in basic and applied fields. Goddard also
files of the atmospheric and ionospheric structures and carries prime responsibility for an extensive tracking, data
composition. acquisition, and data reduction network. It is located at
Greenbelt, Maryland.
GEOSTATIONARY ORBIT
The path of a satellite that completes a full trip around
the Earth in the exact time period in which the earth rotates GOLDSTONE TRACKING FACILITY
once on its axis. A geostationary orbit permits a satellite Radio telescope operated for NASA by Jet Propulsion Labora-
to be seen directly overhead, continuously, at only one tory (JPL), located at Camp Irwin, Barstow, Calif.
point in the Earth's surface, and is also called a 24-hour
orbit or a synchronous orbit. GOSS
Ground Operational Support System.
GETTERING PUMP
The final stage pump system used in extremely high vacuum GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT GFE
systems where sevei'al different kinds of pumps are employed Government furnished property procured and furnished directly
in series to remove gas from the system. to the contractors for inclusion in the system.

GETS GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY GFP

Ground Equipment Test Set. Property in the possession of, or acquired directly by the
Government, and delivered or otherwise made available to
GFE the contractor.
Government Furnished Equipment.
GOVERNMENT INSPECTION
GFP Inspection performed, witnessed or participated in, by the
Govemment Furnished Property. Government inspector.

40
 GUIDANCE

GOVERNMENT STANDARD GROUND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM

A standard developed by or for a Government activity. A system which furnishes air or gaseous nitrogen (GN-2)
etc., at the required humidity and temperature to the space
GOX vehicle while on the ground to satisfy space vehicle air,
Gaseous oxygen. conditioning and vent gas purging requirements.

GRADIENTS GROUND EQUIPMENT TEST SET GETS

See-gravity gradients Test equipment used to verify the operational readiness of
certain electrical items of GSE prior to mating with the
GRAIN vehicle.
Extruded length into which solid propellants are formed.
GROUND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT SYSTEM GOSS
GRAVIRECEPTORS Those equipments, excluding the launch vehicle, space-
Specialized nerve endings and organs in skeletal muscles, cratt, and launch complex, required to be in operation for
tendons, joints, and in the inner ear, furnishing information direct support of the mission being accomplished. These
to the beam on body position, eguihbrium, and direction of eqmpments shall include those used to provide or support
gravitational forces. mission control, guidance and navigation, tracking, tele-
metry, communications, logistics and recovery operations.
GRAVISPHERE
Spherical extent in which the force of a given celestial GROUND SERVICING EQUIPMENT
body's gravity is predominant m relation to that of other Thin includes tow bars, chocks, cradles, dollies, hoists,
celestial bodies. jacks, ]adders, scaffolds, stands, supports, and similar
items.

GRAVITATION GROUND START

Force of mutual attraction between all matter in the universe. A propulsion starting sequence through ignition to main
Varies directly as a product of the bodies' masses and in- stage which is initiated and cycled to completion on the
versely as the square of the distance between them. ground. This is in contrast to an in-flight or air start where
the starting sequence and power buildup occur in flight at
sometime after launch. In large rocket vehicles this ground
GRAVITOMETER start is commonly effected from pressurized propellant tanks
As a part o| the scientific instrumentation subsystem, this external to the missile, permitting the vehicle to take off
instrument will provide the capability of determining the with its internal propellant load intact.
direction and magnitude of the Moon's gravitational field.
GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT GSE
The equipment on the ground, including all implements,
GRAVITY tools, and devices (mobile or fixed), required to inspect,
Force at gravitation which tends to pull objects toward the test, adjust, calibrate appraise, gauge, measure, repair,
center of mass, giving them weight. overhaul, a'ssemble, disassemble, transport, safeguard, re-
See-anti gravity cord, store, or otherwise function in support of a missile
arti/icial gravity or vehicle, either in the research and development phase
center o/gravity or in an operational phase, or in support of the guidance
speci[ic gravity system used with the vehicle.
zero gravity
zero gravity e[/ect GSE
Ground Support Equipment.
GRAVITY GRADIENTS
The variation in the force ot attraction between two bodies GSE CALIBRATION EQUIPMENT
expresned as a function of the separation distance. Equipment which is required to calibrate the ground support
equipment. Consists of general purpose laboratory and
GRAVITY WELL calibration mstruraents such as oscilloscopes, meters,
Analogy in which the gravitational field is considered as a counters, oscillators, gages, etc.
deep pit out of which a space vehicle has to climb to escape
tram a planeta_ body. GSFC
Goddard Space Flight Center.
GROSS DESCENT
Initialdeparture from the equi-penod orbit to the point of GUIDANCE
the hover and translation maneuver. The process of directing the movements of an aeronautical
vehicle or space vehicle, with particular reference to the
GROUND COMPUTER COMPLEX selection of a flight path or traiectory.
An integral part of the integrated mission control center See-celestial guidance
which will be used to support fhgnt sm:ulatlons and real homing guidance
time flight control of manned space flight programs. inertial guidance

41
GUIDANCE AND CONTROL SYSTEM

GUIDANCE AND CONTROL SYSTEM GUIDANCE SYSTEM

One of the systems in a space vehicle designed to put the
Comprised of the guidance and navigation system and the
vehicle on a desired trajectory at a desired velocity prior to
stabilizabon control system.
thrust cutoff, or a system in a vehicle that establishes the

GUIDANCE AND NAVIGATION SYSTE;,1 desired path from launch to target.

An inertial quidance system in the Apollo spacecraft which multiple-mode guidance system

provides boost monitoring capability during Earth launch

and Earth parking orbit and guidance during all other phases GYRO DRIFT

of spacecraft operation. Separate systems are located in the The angular rate of change of the spin axis of the gym as
command module (CM) and the lunar excursion module (LEM). it deviates from ideal performance.

Major guidance and navigation system components located

in the CM are: GYROSCOPE

(1) Inertial Measurement Unit ([MU) A device which utilizes the anqular momentum of a spinning

(2) Sextant (SXT) rotor to sense angular motion of its base about one or two

(3) Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC) axes at right angles to the spin axis. Also called

(4) Scanning Telescope (SCT) gyroscope.

(5) Display and Controls (D&C) See-cryogenic gyro
(6) Power and Servo Assembly (PSA) electrostatic gyro
(7) Coupling Display Units (CDU) inertial re/erence integrating gyro

42
 H
H-1 ENGINE HARNESS ASSEMBLY (ELECTRICAL)
A liquid-propellant rocket engine designed to develop Consists of two or more conductors laced or jacketed to-
188,000 pounds of thrust at sea level. The H-1 uses liquid aether and assembled with connectors.
oxygen (LAX) and kerosene-base fuel (RP-1) as propellants
and is used in the first stage of the Saturn launch vehicle. HDW
Hardware.
HALF-STAGE
A boosterunitin a stage-and-a-half rocket One or more HEAT EXCHANGER
separate rocket engines that utilize the same fuel supply A device for transferring heat from one substance to another,
as the main engine. The booster engines are jettisoned at as by regenerative cooling.
a predetermined point and the main engines use up the re-
maining fuel. HEAT SINK
A relatively cool area in a system which contains or dissi-
HANDLING EQUIPMENT pates heat.
That equipment utilized for handling vehicle stages and
their subassemblies. This includes hoisting and transport- HEATING
inq equipment. See-aerodynamic heatin_
conuectiue beatin_
HANDLING RING
A metal ring which can be affixed to the stage external HEAVISIDE LAYER
structure. The ring provides an attachment point for hoist- Region of the ionosphere that reflects radio waves back to
ing and a support point for the stage in the transporter or earth. Also called kennelly-heaviside layer.
other horizontal supporting device.

HANGFIRE HEAVY COSMIC RAY PRIMARIES

The delayed ignition of the propellant or the igniter. Positively charged nuclei of elements heavier than hydrogen
and helium up to, but not including, atomic nuclei of iron.
HARD LANDING Comprising about one percent of the total cosmic ray
The deliberate destructive impact of a space vehicle on a particles.
predetermined celestial target. The vehicle is destroyed
upon impact, hence "hard landing". The object of such a
space shot is to test propulsion and guidance to prepare the HELIOCENTRIC
way for a soft landing. Measured from the center of the Sun. Related to, or having
the Sun as a center.
HARD MOCK-UP
A full-size replica of a spacecraft vehicle or engine incorpo- HELIUM PRESSURIZATION SPHERE
rating all hardware, such as instrumentation, for demonstra- Spherical pressure vessels used for the storage of helium
tion, training, and testing. gas. Used in the propellant tanks, helium is released under
pressure to provide proper ullage in the propellant tanks.

HARD VACUUM HEMISPHERICAL EMITTANCE

A vacuum which approximates the vacuum of space. Emittance radiating in all directions from the surface.

HERMETIC SEALING
HARDWARE H DW Made perfectly airtight by, or as by, fusion so that no gas
The physical objects, as distinguished from their capability or liquid can enter or escape.
or function.
HETEROGENEITY
HARDWARE UTILIZATION LIST A state or quality. Not originating within the body.
A listing on the quantity of end item hardware used for test
purposes. HETEROSPHERE
That part of the upper atmosphere wherein the relative pro.
HARDWlRE LINK portions of oxygen, nitrogen, and other gases are unfixed
Direct connection of the vehicle measuring system to the and wherein radiation particles and micrometeoroids are
recording system through wire. mixed with air particles.

43
HIG

HIG HORIZONTAL PRE-FLIGHT

Hermetically-sea/ed,
Intergratinq
Gyros. CHECKOUT SYSTEM
Check-out is accomplished with the vehicle in a horizontal
HIGH VACUUM position, thereby reducing the requirements for gantries, -
The condition in a gas filled space defined as a pressure, cranes, and similar items. Upon completion of checkout,
less than some upper limit, such as one millimeter of vehicle is erected into vertical firing position. This system
mercury. is generally usable with smaller vehicles and spacecraft.

HIGH-ENERGY RADIATION HOT TEST

Penetrating particle or electromagnetic radiation of more A propulsion system test conducted by actudlly firing the
than a few thousand electron volts, including electrons, 15ropellants.
neutrons, protons, mesons x-rays and gamma rays.
HOUSING
HIGH-MASS FRACTION Covering or structures used to enclose space vehicle assem-
High value of the ratio of propellant weight to total motor bites and operations.
weight. Values of 0.9 and greater characterize hiqh-mass
fraction motors. HOVER
A flight condition in which the craft remains in a relatively
HIGHWATER fixed position in flight with respect to some object.
Study program of ionospheric effects of ice cloud created
from water ejected from Saturn boosters. HOVER AND TRANSLATION MANEUVER
Manipulation of the lunar excursion module, during the lunar
HINGE MOMENT descent phase, to remain at a stationary altitude with re-
A measure of the tendency of aerodynamic forces acting on spect to the lunar surface and to move in a lateral direction
control surfaces to produce motion about the hinge axis of above the landing area.
the surface.
HP
HOHMANN ORBIT Horsepower.
Proposed mimmum enerqy paths of fliqht from earth's orbit
to orbits of other planets. HUMAN ENGINEERING
The application of scientific knowledge concerning human
HOLD limitations and performance capabilities to the establishment
Scheduled or unscheduled delay or pause in the launching of requirements for the accomplishment of the mission. The
sequence or countdown of a missile or space vehicle. purpose is to minimize demands upon human skill, training
and manpower resources, and to maximize the effectiveness
HOLDDOWN TEST of man-equipment combinations.
Testing of a system or subsystem in a missile or other ve-
hicle while the vehicle is restrained in a stand.
HUMAN ERROR
HOLDING FIXTURE Inaccuracy, mistake, or inconsistency due to the inherent
A device or equipment used to support and position the upper characteristics of man.
launch vehicle stages and the spacecraft modules during
test, checkout, and handling operations. HUMAN FACTORS
Used in a broad sense to cover all biomedical and psycho-
social considerations pertaining to man in the system. It
HOLDING POND includes principles and applications in the areas of human
A man made basin into which spilled propellants, deluge engineering, personnel selection training, life support
water, and washdown water are drained from the launch pad, requirements, job performance aids and human performance
launcher area and launcher platform. The pond is so con- evaluation.
structed that the water can be drained and the propellants,
such as RP-1 fuel, can be skimmed for disposal. The hold- HYBRID COMPUTER
ing pond is also known as a skimming basin. A computer of heterogeneous composition, e.g., an analog to
digital computer as opposed to straight analog or straiqht
diqitdl computers.
HOMING GUIDANCE
The guidance of a missile or other vehicle by using an HYBRID MOTOR
internal receiver that is sensitive to infrared or electronic A rocket-propulsion unit that burns a combination of propel-
emissions at the objective. lants of different composition and characteristics (a liquid
oxidizer and a solid fuel) to produce a propulsive force.
HOMOSPHERE
That part of the atmosphere made up of atoms and molecules HYDRAZINE-BORANE
found near the Earth's surface and retaining the same rela- Propellant ingredients derived from borane compounds and
tive portions of oxygen, nitrogen, and other gases. hydrazine.
 HYPOXIA
HYPERGOL
HYDRODYNAMIC A rocket fuel or propellant that ignites spontaneously upon
The physics of the motion of fluids, especially water. contact with the oxidizer. A propulsion system that utilizes
such a fuel.
HYDROGEN H
Liqbtest chemical element, flammable, colorless, tasteless, HYPERGOLIC FUEL
odorless gas in its uncombined state. Used in liquid state Rocket fuel that ignites spontaneously upon contact with the
as a rocket fuel. oxidizer, thereby eliminating the need for an ignition
See-liquid hydrogen system.
liquid bydroRen (LH-2) system corni_lex
HYPERSONIC
HYDROGEN-F LUORINE Velocities of five or more times the speed of sound in the
High energy liquid propellants for rocket engines. Hydrogen surroundingmedium.
is the fuel and fluorine is the oxidizer.
HYPERSONIC FLOW
HYDROSPHERE In aerodynamics, flow of a fluidover a body at speeds much
The water envelope of a planet. greaterthan the speed of sound and in which the shock
waves startat a finitedistancefrom the surfaceof the
HYDROSTATIC EFFECTS body.
The pressures exerted by a column of liquid under normal
gravitational conditions on the surface of the earth or in a HYPERVELOCITY GUN
gravitational field during an acceleration. Test equipment for accelerating particles tovelocity ranqe
attcuned by meteoroids in space. The equipment is used in
investigations of meteoroid damage and methods of meteoroid
HYPERACOUSTIC ZONE protection.
The region in the upper atmosphere where the distance be-
tween the rarefied air molecules equals the wave length of HYPERVELOCITY NEUTRAL BEAM
sound, so that sound is transmitted with less volume than A directed stream of neutrons, moving at extremely high
at lower levels. Above this zone, sound waves cannot be speed.
propagated.
HYPOXIA
HYPERBOLA Oxygen deficiency in the blood cells or tissues of the body
A conic section made by a plane intersecting a cone of in such degree as to cause psychological and physiological
revolution at an angle smaller than that of a parabola. The disturbances. Hypoxia may result from scarcity of oxygen
value of its eccentricity is greater than one. in the air being breathed. Or from inability of the body tis-
sues to absorb oxygen under conditions of low barometric
HYPERBOLIC REENTRY pressure. Compare with anoxia.
Reentry at speeds above 37,000 feet per second.

4.5
 I
IA IMP
Input axis of the ]RIG or the PIP. The axis which is per- Inflatable Micrometearoid Paraqlider.
peadicular to the output axis and at 90 degrees from the _Interplanetary Monitoring Probe.
IRIG spin reference axis or the PIP pendulous reference
axis. Movement along this axis results in a displacement IMPLEMENTATION
of the signal generator which indicates, respectively, The process of putting into effect and accomplishing a
angular motion in the IRIG'S reference plane or acceleration preqram plan.
in the PIPA'S reference plane.
IMPORTANCE FACTOR OR
IA FREEDOM CRITICALITY FACTOR
The anqle of rotation from null position permitted by The relative importance of the particular system to the total
mechanical stops in the IRIG and the PIP. mission effectiveness. The ratio of the number of mission
failures due to the equipment failinq to the total number of
IC failures of the equipment.
Inertial Component.
IMPULSE
ICE FROST A sudden umdirectional force of non-repeated form or
Ice on the outside of a rocket vehicle over surfaces super- character.
cooled by liquid oxygen. See-s_ecific impulse

ICTE IMU
Inertial Component Test Equipment. Inertial Measurement Unit.

IFTS IMU GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT IMUGSE

In-Flight Test System. Proposed module of equipment which could be used to
operate the IMU during development, manufacturing, and
IGA test phases.
Inner Cimbal Axis.
IMUGSE
IGNITION IMU Ground Support Equipment.
The initiation of combustion of a rocket engine.
IN-FLIGHT TEST SYSTEM IFTS
A test system in the command module (CM) for providing
IGNITION LAG the flight crew with a rapid check on the status of the space-
The time interval measured from the instant that electrical craft systems and for isolating a malfunction. The system
contact is made to the first perceptible rise of pressure or provides a centralized panel with a go-no-go test point
thrust (whichever occurs first). readout and a coded readout, showing which system or sub-
system failed. A means for manual testing and maintenance
instructions is provided.
IGS
Inter Gimbal Subassembly. INCIDENT RADIATION
Radiant energy impinging on a surface per-unit-time and
per-unit-area. Also called irradiation or flux density.
IGY
International Geophysical Year. INCLINATION
An angle between two lines or two planes such as the angle
ILCCS between the plane of an orbit and a reference plane.
Integrated Launch Control and Checkout System.
INDEPENDENT FAILURES
IMCC Those failures which occur or can occur without being
hlteqrated Mission Control Center. related to the malfunctioning of associated items.

IMMEDIATE ENVIRONMENT INDEPENDENT VARIABLE

The environmental conditions local and surroundincj each Arbitrary variable which the designer has some freedom to
individual part under the conditions of specified end use. establish. Once selected, the variable influences such sys-

46
 INITIATOR

terncharacteristics
asperformance
andweight
atthedesign INERTIAL PLATFORM
point. A qyro-stabilized reference platform. Part of a guidance
system.
INDICATORS
Instruments which interpret and present information pertain- INERTIAL REFERENCE INTEGRATING GYRO IRIG
ing to conditions or situation at o distant or inconvenient A single-degree-of-freedom gyro. It contains a gyro wheel,
place. a floated gimbal in which the wheel is mounted, a torque
See-multiple-legend indicator lights generator, and a signal generator. Three IRIG's mounted on
the stable member maintain a reference for the nonrotating
INDIVIDUAL OPERATIONAL TEST space-oriented axes of the IMU.
A test performed on all equipments to insure operation for
major characteristics only. This type of test usually pre- INFANT MORTALITY
cedes an individual reliability test. Premature destructive failure occurring at a rate substan-
tially greater than observed during subsequent life prior to
INDIVIDUAL RELIABILITY TEST wearout. Infant mortality may be reduced by stringent qual-
This is usually a burn-in of all equipment for a specified ity control and eliminated by appropriate screening.
time. During the course of the test changes in major char-
acteristics, as established in the individual operational INF LAMMAB LE
tests, are studied and corrective action taken. Capable of bursting into flame when a spark or open flame
is passed sufficiently near, as with fumes and vapors from
INDUCED ENVIRONMENT hot oils or volatile combustible liquids and with finely
The state or conditions which exist due to the interaction of powdered combustible solids.
the natural environment and the test subject. See-flammable

INDUSTRY STANDARD INFLATABLE MICROMETEOROID

A standard developed and promulgated by a technical society, PARAGLIDER IMP
trade association, or federation. Recoverable system for measuring meteoroid flux in near
space.
INERTIA WHEEL
A rotating mass used to absorb minor torques created during INFRARED
the stabilization and control of a spacecraft. Electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength interval from
the red end of the visible spectrum on the lower limit to
INERTIAL COMPONENT IC microwaves used in radar on the upper limit.
The inertial reference intergrating gyros (IRIG) and the
pulsed intergrating pendulum (PIP) that establish the iner-
tial reference plane or sense accelerations. These com- INFRARED LIGHT
ponents are located in the inertial measurement unit (IMU). Light in which the rays lie just below the red end of the
visible spectrum.
INERTIAL COMPONENT TEST EQUIPMENT ICTE
The complex of units designed to perform all acceptance,
performance surveillance and pre_ssembly tests of the iner- INGRESS
tial components of the inertial measurement unit (IMU). The act of, or the mechanism for, entrance to an enclosure.
In spacecraft this can relate to the act of a crew member
INERTIAL FORCE entering the space vehicle or it can describe the entrance
The force produced by the reaction of a body to an accelera- chamber, pressure lock and hatchways.
ting force, equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to
the accelerating force. Inertial force endures only as long
as the accelerating force endures. INHERENT RELIABILITY
The reliability potential in the design as determined prior
to manufacturing, handling, transportation, maintenance,
INERTIAL GUIDANCE storage and use.
A type of guidance for amissile or space vehicle effected
by means of mechanisms that automatically adjust the vehicle INHIBITOR
after launching to follow a given flight path. The mechan- A substance bonded, taped or dip-dried, onto a solid propel-
isms measure inertial forces during periods of acceleration, lant to restrict the burning surface and to give direction to
integrate the data obtained with already-known position and the burning.
velocity and signal the controls to effect the desired direc-
tion, altitude, etc. INITIAL FAILURE
The first failure to occur in use.
INERTIAL MEASUREMENT UNIT IMU
A three--gimbal stabilized platform which consists of pulsed INITIATOR
integratmgpendulum accelerometers (PIPA), inertial refer- A unit which receives electrical or detonation energy and
ence integrating gyros (IRIC) and resolver output. produces a chemical deflaqration reaction.

47
INJECTION

INJECTION INSPECTION LOT

The process of putUng an artlticial satelhte into orht. A collection of units Of product manufactured or processed
Also the time of such action. under substantially the same condltmns and offered for in-
See-lon injection spection at one time or during a fixed period of time.
lunar trajectory injection vehicle See-moving inspection lot

INJECTION ALTITUDE INSTALLATION

Height at which the vehicle is turned from, its launch tra- A system of machinery or apparatus placed in functional
jectory into an orbital trajectory. position for use.

INJECTION VEHICLE INSTALLATION DRAWING

The launch vehicle system which provides for the injechon Shows general configurations, attachlni_ hardware, and infor-
of the spacecraft rata a lunar trcnsfer orbit. mation to locate, posmon, and mount an item relative to
See-lunar trajectory injection t, ebicle fixed points and to other items.

INJECTION WEIGHT INSTRUMENT UNIT IU

The weight of the vehicle at the termination of one phase of In the Saturn series, an adapter section or module between
a mission that is continued in the succeeding phase. the launch vehicle and spacecraft. It houses the guidance
systems, telemetry equipment, power sunply, RF systems
INLET and in-flight instrument-unit mr conditioning equipment.
An entrance or orihce for the admission of fluids or gases.
See-variable geometry inlet INSTRUMENTATION
The installation and use of electronic, gyroscopic, and other
INNER GIMBAL AXIS IGA instruments and sensors for the purpose of aetecting, measur-
The axis of rotational freedom between the stable member ing, recording, telemetering, processing, or analyzing differ-
and the middle gimbal of the IMU. ent values or quantities as encountered in the flight of a
missile or spacecraft. Instrumentation apphes to both
flight-borne and ground-based eqmpment.
INSEPARABLE ASSEMBLY DRAWING See-red-line instrumentation
Depicts items permanently joined to form cm integral unit.
INSTRUMENTATION SYSTEM
Combined measuring and telemetering systems.
INSP
Inspection. INTEG
Integration.
INSPECTION INSP
The process of measuring, exanuning, testmg, gaging, or INTEGRAL TANK
otherwise comparing the umt of product with the applicable A fuel or oxidizer tank bruit within the normal contours of
reqmrements. the aircraft or missile and using the skin of the vehicle as
See-acceptance inspection part of the walls of the tank.
average total inspection
comparison inspection INTEGRATED MISSION CONTROL CENTER IMCC
destination inspection The IMCC, located at Clear Lake, near ttouston, will have
development engineering inspection the capability of monitoring the spacecraft and directing the
mock-up inspection support elements for all phases of the Apollo missions, in-
normal inspection cluding unmanned and manned Earth-orbital and lunar flights.
one bundred percent inspection The IMCC utilizes the services provided to it by the Launch
Control Center, the Global Tracking and Commumcation
INSPECTION BY ATTRIBUTES Networks, the computer complex at Houston, the recovery
Inspection wherein the unit of product is classified simply control centers and forces, and the data reduction facilities.
as defective or non-defective with respect to g given require-
ment or set of requirements. INTEGRATION INTEG
The process of assuring that the major elements of a pro-
INSPECTION BY VARIABLES gram be conceived, designed, assembled, tested, operated,
Inspection wherein a specihed quality characteristic of a and documented in such a manner as to be compatible with
unit or product is measured on a continuous scale and each other and to satisfy the program objectives.
recorded,
INTEGRATION, TRANSPORT AND
INSPECTION LEVEL LAUNCH CONCEPT
Used to indicate the relative number of sample units for a A concept where space vehicle assembly, payload integra-
given amount of product. All other things being equal, a tion, and complete checkout are performed in an area remote
higher inspection levet entails a lower risk of acceptance from the launch pad and the entirely assembled space ve-
of a lot of inferior quality. hicle system is transported to the launch pad to be fueled.
 ION JET

INTER GIMBAL SUBASSEI_BLY IGS INTERNATIONAL QUIET SUN YEAR IQSY

The sLEbassemb]y by whic,_l the gin:aT1 case, gimbals, and In 1965, solar flares and disturbances will be at a periodic
stable member are attacheJ to each ot;_er. low level, during which, scientists throughout the world wi[I
cooperatively engage in the study of the ,Sun. "
INTERACTION EFFECT
Those effects which various corr.ponents, subsystems, and INTERPLANETARY
systems demonstrate ,,,,'hen combmeu rata nigher level Between planets.
assemblies.
INTERPLANETARY MONITORING PROBE IMP
INTERCHANGEABILITY Designed to provide detmle.i _e_surement of the radiation
A condition of design ensunn9 that "_tl mating parts will environment between Earth _nflMoon. Chamctermtics of

assemble and function properly w_thout the need for any particle fluxes from the Sun, tae interplanetary magnetic
selecting, machining or fitting at osse,_bly. field, and solc_-terTestrial relatlonstup will be studied.

See-complete intercbangeaAility
selected intercbangeafiility INTERQUARTILE RANGE
The distance between the upper and lower quartiles.
INTERCHANGEABLE ITEM
When two or more items have the sc_m,e functional and physi- INTERSTAGE

cal chc_actenstics as to be eqmvalent in performance and Between stages.

durcfioility and are capable of being exchanged one for the
other. INTERSTELLAR
Between stars.
INTERCONNECTING CABLE
An assembly of one or more insulated, parallel, or twisted INVERTER
electrical conductors having both ends terminated with fit- An electrical or electronic device for the conversion of
tings for connections to components, subsystems, and electrical power from. DC to AC.
systems.
IOC
INTERCONNECTION DIAGRAM Initial Operational Capability.
A diagrammatic drawing that shows the external connections
between assemblies or systen,s.
ION

An electrically charged atom or group of atoms. A positively

INTERDEPENDENT ASSEMBLY OR charged ion is an atom or group of atoms with a deficiency
UNIT OF EQUIPMENT of electrons. A negatively chargeJ 1on is an atom or group
Dependent upon one or more other parts of the design item of atoms with an addea electron.
in order to perform its intended [unctlon.

INTERFACE ION BEAM NEUTRALIZATION

The point or urea where a relationship exists between two The supplying of negatively charged electrons to a positively
or more ports, systems, programs, persons, or procedures charged high velocity stream of ions m order to provide a
wherein physical and functional compattbdJty is required. neutral or uncharged stream that wall not be slowed down or
held by the electrostatic field m an mn _et.
INTERFACE DRAWING
The engineering drawing which grcrphically or discriptively ION CHAMBER

displays the conditions of the interface which exist between An instrument used to determine the presence of charged
assemblies. particles.

INTERFACE PROBLEMS ION ENGINE

Problems which pertain to a boundary common to two or Projected type of engine m whlch the thrust to propel the
more components or functions. missile or spacecraft is obtmnec_ from a stream of iomzed
atomic particles, generatea by atomic fusion, hssion, or
INTERFERENCE FIT solar energy.
One having limits of size so prescribed that an interference
ION INJECTION
INTERFEROMETER The introduction of ]ons into the mterelectrode area of a

An appezatus used to produce and mecmure interference from thermiomc generator to enhance the flow of electrons through
two or more coherent wave trams from the same source. neutralization of the space charge.

INTERIOR BALLISTICS ION JET

The branch of balhstics concerned with the behavmr, motion, An electric rocket system in which positively charged p_ti-
appec_rance, or modification of a missde when acted upon by cles are generated and subsequently accelerated and ejected
the ignition and burning of ci propellant. by the use of a negatively charged electric field.

49
ION SOURCES

ION SOURCES IQSY

The component of an ion jet that removes electrons from International Quiet Sun Year.
the propellant to produce positively charged ions.
IRIG
IONIZATION Inertial Reference Integrating Gyro.
Being ionized or being dissociated into ions. Inter-Range Instrumentation Group (NASA).
See-contact ionization
ur[ace ionization IRIS
A solid-propellant upper atmosphere sounding rocket.
IONIZE
Change into ions, become electrically charged, as a gas II_RESOLVABLE COMPONENTS
under the influence of heat, electron bombardment, and Those components which cannot be separated into com-
nuclear radiation. ponent parts or whose internal configuration or operation is
withheld from the user by a proprietory information agreement.
IONIZED LAYERS
Layers of increased ionization within the ionosphere. Re- ISOSTATIC
sponsible for absorption and reflection of radio waves and Under equal pressure from every side.
important in connection with communication and the tracking
of satellites and other space vehicles. ISOTHERMAL REGION
The stratosphere considered as a region of uniform
temperature.
IONIZED PLASMA SHEATH
A layer of ionized particles closely surrounding an elec- ISOTROPIC
trode. Especially such a layer around a spacecraft during In general, pertaining to a state in which a quantity or spatial
reentry when it may interrupt or interfere with ground space- derivitives thereof are independent of direction.
craft commumcations.
IU
IONOSPHERE Instrument Unit.
An outer belt of the Earth's atmosphere in which radiations
from the Sun ionize,or excite electrically, the atoms and IVORY TOWER
molecules of the atmospheric gases. Colloquial term for vertical test stand.
 J
J-2 ENGINE JET STREAM
A liquid-propellantrocketengine which suppliesabout The stream of gas or fluid expelled by any reaction device.
200,000 pounds of thrust at altitude. Also, a narrow band of high velocity wind, especially near
the base of the stratosphere.
JERK
A vector that specifies the time rate of change at an acceler-
ation. The third derivative of displacement with respect JETAVATOR
to time. A control surface that may be moved into or against a rock-
et's jet stream to change directzon of the jet flow for thrust
JET vector control.
See--contn_l let
plasma let
JOB TRAINING STANDARD JTS
JET EDUCTOR
A standard of proficiency to be att_ined and maintained by
A device used in coniuncUon with a fuel transfer pump to members of a unit, established to assure accomplishment of
drain the fuel transter line. Part of the RP-1 fuel system the mission.
complex.

JET PROPULSION LABORATORY JPL JODRELL BANK

Operated for NASA, under contract, by the California Insti- Site of a large radio telescopewith a poraboloidal receiver
tute of Technology. Its prime mission is the development (250 feet in length, sixty feet deep) used to track space
of spacecraft for unmanned lunar andplanetary space ex- probes. Located near Manchester, England.
ploration and for operation of a world-wide-deep-space
tracking and control network. The main laboratories and
offices are in Pasadena, Calif. A test station is located at JPL
Edwards, Calif. and the Goldstone Tracking Station, operated Jet Propulsion I-aboratory.
by JPL, is on the Camp Irwin Military Reservation about
thirty miles north of Barstow, Calif. in the Molave Desert.
JTS
JET STEERING
Job Training Standard.
The use of fixed or movable gas jets on a missile to steer
it along a desired trajectory during propelled and coasting JUNO II
flight. 4-stage launch vehicle using Jupiter and Sergeant engines.

51
K
K-BAND KIT

Frequencies in the region of 30,000 megacycles per second. See-modi/ication kit

transportation handling kit

KEPLER'S LAWS KIT DRAWING

Three empirical laws describing the motions of planets in Depicts a packaged unit, item, or group of items, instruc-

their orbits. tions, photographs, and drawings, used in modification,

(1) The orbits of the planets are ellipses, '..._lth the Sun at a installation, or survival, but which m themselves do not

common focus. necessarily constitute a complete functioning engineering

(2) As a planet moves in its orbit, the line joining the planet assembly. A kit drawing usually includes a listing of all
item numbers, commercial products, and hardware to com-
and Sun sweeps over equal _reas m equal intervals of time.
plete a modification or installation.
Also called laws of equal areas.
(3) The squares of the periods of revolution of any two plan-
KIWI
ets are proportional to the cubes of their mean distances
from the Sun. Series of developmental studies by the Atomic Energy Com-
mission with goal of developing nuclear reactors useful in
high-thrust rocket engines.
KEPLERIAN TRAJECTORY
Elliptical orbits descTibed by celestial bodies according to KNOT
A nautical mile.
Kepler's first law of celestial motion.

KURTOSIS

KINETICS The relative steepness of ascent m the vicinity of the mode

The science that deals with themotion of masses in relation in a frequency distribution, peakedness as opposed to

to the forces acting on them. flatness.

52
 L
LABORATORY CALIBRATION TEST building, RP-1 system, liquid oxygen system, and a high
Tests to determine if the measuring devices or component pressure gas system.
is within specifications.
LAUNCH COMPLEX 37 LC 37
LAMINAR FLOW A launch site situated approximately 3800-feet North of
A nonturbulent air flow made up of thin parallel layers over Launch Complex 34. The complex consists of two launch
and about a nosecone or other surface. pads and is used to support and lgunch Saturn I, Block II
operational vehicles. A significant feature of the complex
LANDING is the advance design and configuration which permits the
See-Earth landing system accomplishment of an accelerated launch schedule m sup-
bard landing port of the preliminary requirements of the Saturn V.
power landing
sort landing LAUNCH COMPLEX 39 LC 39
This complex, to be erected at tiJe _.!errttt Island Launch
LANGLEY RESEARCH CENTER LRC Area (MILA), will provide the faclhties and equipment re-
One of NASA'S field installations. The mission of the quired to receive, assemSle, c}_eckout, and launch Saturn V
Langley Research Center is research on a broad scale into vehicles with payloads. It incorporates the mobile concept
vehicle configurations, materials and structures for space of launch operations which employs the following basic
and aeronautics. It is located at Langley Field, Hampton, features;
Virginia. (1) Vertical assembly of the entire launch vehicle in a
specially equipped building away from the tgunch pad.
(2) Transfer to launch pad is acco.-.:pltshed with the vehicle
LANGMUIR THEORY assembled in a vertical position on the launcher.
The assumption that the extra-nuclear electrons in an atom (3) Automatic checkout of cor._ponents and systems will be
are m-ranged in shells corresponding to the periods of the provided with the capability of co,qtmuous checkout.
periodic system.
LAUNCH CONTROL CENTER LCC
Centralized over-all control point for all phases of pre-
LASER launch and launch operations at tne launch facility on a
Light amplification through stimulated electromagnetic specific program. Handover of control to mission control
radiation. An advanced amplification device using precise center occurs at separation of the space vehicle from all
crystal cores at very low temperatures. hard ground connections.

LAUNCH ESCAPE PROPULSION SYSTEM LEPS

LATERAL-DIRECTIONAL CROSS-COUPLING A cluster of solid propellant motors mounted atop the com-
Interaction of two modes of motion of a space vehicle which mand module. The motors generate sufhcrent thrust to remove
results in change of the attitude of the vehicle. the command module from the booster in event of booster
failure.
LAUNCH

Initial motion in transition from static repose to dynamic LAUNCH ESCAPE SYSTEM LES
flight. The moment when the vehicle is no longer supported A tower-like structure mounteJ on top of the command
by the launcher. module. Propulsion is provided by a sohd-fuel motor with
See-vertical launch step or regressive burning characteristics. The LES pro-
vides an abort capability, until after it is iettisonned follow-
LAUNCH AZIMUTH ing second-stage ignition, by removing the command module
The angle of the launch plane as measured clockwise from (CM) to a safe distance frorn the launch vehicle in the event
true north. of a booster failure or imminent failure.

LAUNCH COMPLEX 34 LC 34 LAUNCH ESCAPE SYSTEM SIMULATOR

A single launch pad configuration used to support the An auxiliary item of equipment used to facilitate spacecraft
launches of the Saturn I, Block I vehicles. The general systems checkout, through simulation of actual launch es-
launch complex area is composed of the following facilities, cape system functions. When connected to the command
Launch pad, launch pedestal, launch deflector, umbilical module (CM), the simulator receives and measures electrical
tower, automatic ground control station (ACGS), service signals, determines from signal characteristics if the signals
structure, launch control center (LCC), operations support would reliably operate the launch escape systems, and

53
LAUNCH OPERATION CENTER

transmits results of measurement and an(_ysis to the CM LAUNCH WINDOW

system test group. Specific launch escape system functions The mission conditions which impose launch time limitations

to be simulated include; yaw, engine start, thrust-chamber on the launch vehicle for any given trajectory such as rela-
nozzle start, and jettison-motor start. tive position of Earth and moon or planets, mid-course pro-
pulsion capabilities, guidance limits, etc.
LAUNCH OPERATION CENTER LOC
Responsible for the over-all planning and supervision of the LAUNCHER

integration, test, checkout, and launch of space vehicle sys- A device for holding the space vehicle in its intended launch-
tems at the Atlantic Missile Range. ing attitude and for imparting control and thrust (catapult)
daring its initial phase of movement until it becomes
LAUNCH PAD airborne.

The load-bearing base or platform from which a rocket ve- See-transporterlauncher

hicle is launched. Usually called pad.
LAUNCHER DEFLECTOR
LAUNCH PEDESTAL Device composed of steel or reinforced concrete, or a com-

A reinforced concrete or steel structure which is capable of bination of both, which deflects the booster engine flame

supporting and retaining space and launch vehicles in a into controlled directions.

launch attitude. The launch pedestal is sometimes called

launch pad or considered part of the launch pad. LAUNCHER-TRANSPORTER
Mobile steel frame (crawler-type) vehicle which transports
LAUNCH RING the arming tower between pads, and launcher/umbilical
The metal ring on the launch pad on which a missile stands towers and space vehicles between the vertical assembly
before launch. building and pads.
LAYER

LAUNCH SUPPORT AND HOLDDOWN ARM See-boundary layer

Equipment which provides direct support for aportion of the beauiside layer
deud weight of the space vehicle and retains the vehicle ionized layers
on the launch pad or platform during the thrust buildup
period. It is part of the launch support and holddown arm LCC

system and is usually located and anchored at the top of Launch Control Center.

the launch pedestal or platform.

LEAKAGE SYSTEM
See--controlled lealcage system
LAUNCH SUPPORT ARM
Part of the launch support and holddown arm system. LEM
Lunar excursion module.

LAUNCH UMBILICAL TOWER LUT

A deep truss frame platform upon which a steel tower-like LEM PROPULSION SYSTEM
structure, which is used to support and service the umbilical A propulsion system in the lunar excursion module (LEM)
arms, is located. The tower also supports and houses equip- tesic_ed to provide velocity increments in the LEM for
ment required to perform certain service and checkout func- descent, touchdown, ascent, and rendezvous.
tions on the space vehicle prior to launch.

LAUNCH VEHICLE LV LEM TRUCK

Thepart of the space vehicle which furnishes the propulsion The unmanned version of the lunar excursion module capable
and guidance during the initial part of the trajectory to pro- of delivering 4,000 to 7,000 pounds payload to the lunar

vide the prescribed velocity, position, and attitude required surface.

for injection into the desired trajectory. Launch vehicles
are commonly called boosters and consist of two or more LENGTH OF LIFE
propulsive stages. The term "length of life" and "time to failure" shall be used

See-operational launch uehicle interchanqeably and shall denote the length of time it takes
for a unit of product to fail after being placed on life test.
LAUNCH VEHICL'E SIMULATOR

Equipment that presents to the service and command module LENGTHY TARRYING CAPABILITY

(CSM) an interface which is electrically similar to the The ability to remain in the vicinity of a planetary body for
launch vehicle. It accepts control signals from the CSM a considerable period of time, as in orbit.

and produces system responses to facilitate a complete

functional checkout and test of the command and service LENTICULAR SHAPES
module functions. Reentry configurations having the general shape of a convex
lens.
LAUNCH VEHICLE SYSTEM
The launch vehicle (flight hardware) and all equipment LEO

associated with flight preparation. Librating Equidistant Observer (satellite concept).

54
 LIQUID OXYGEN SYSTEM COMPLEX

LEPS LIMIT
Launch Escape Propulmon System. See-con/idence limits
nominal stress limits
LES nonstressed limits
Launch Escape System. probability limits
sigma limits
stressed limits
LEVEL minimum material limit
See-acceptable quality level
acceptable reliability level LIMIT DIMENSIONING SYSTEM
inspection level Indicates the largest and smallest permissible dimensions.
signi/icance level
sound plane level LIMIT LOAD

The maximum load calculated to be experienced by the

structure under specified cand_tions of operation.

LEVELED THRUST LIMIT PRESSURE

A rocket power plant e_mpped with a programmer or engine- The maximum operating pressure or operating pressure in-
control umt that maintains the output at a relatively con- cluding the effect of system environment, such as vehicle
stant thrust. acceleration, etc. For hydraulic and pneumatic equipment,
limit pressure will exclude the effect of surge.
LEWIS RESEARCH CENTER LRC
Initiates and conducts basic and applied research in pro- LIMITED LIFE ITEMS
pulsion and space flight, located at Cleveland, Ohio. Items that because of their nature have a life which exceeds
the ground checkout time plus the mission time, but which
LIBRATION
normally would require replacement or refurbishing before
A real or apparent oscillatory motion, particularly the ap- the next mission.
parent oscillation of the Moon. See-critical and limited li/e
item re/urbisbment
LIFE SCIENCE
Generally used to describe the science of adapting the LIMITED SUBSTITUTE
physiological and psychological requirements of man to An item that can replace or be replaced by another item
spacecraft and space flight. under certain conditions or in some particular applications.

LIFE SUPPORT

The term encompasses the entire areas of biological, physio- LIMITS OF A DIMENSION
logical, and medical sciences which provide the basic data The maximum and minimum values acceptable for that
to define and establish the physiological criteria required to dimension.
insure maximum pilot safety.

LINE OF POSITION
LIFE TEST In navigation, a line representing all possible locations of
Those tests conducted to verify and qualify hardware from o craft at a given instant.
an endurance or life standpoint. Life test shall be conducted
at design levels for the reqmred operational cycles.
LIQUID HYDROGEN
LIFE-TEST MODEL Supercooled hydrogen gas, usually used as a rocket fuel.
Prototype equipment operated until it fails to determine its
life expectancy. LIQUID HYDROGEN SYSTEM COMPLEX

Refers to all the facilities and facility equipments used for

LIFT DRAG RATIO
receiving, hcmdlinq, storing, pressurizing, conditioninq,
The ratio of the lifting force to the drag force for either an controlling, and monitoring the liguid hydrogen (LH-2) from
isolated wing or a complete aircraft. This ratio is used in time of receipt at the pad to the loading of the vehicle tanks.
determining the rate of descent of a space vehicle in the
atmosphere. LIQUID OXYGEN LOX
Supercooled oxygen used as the oxidizer in many liquid fuel
LIFTOFF engines.
The initial motion of a space vehicle or ballistic missile
as it rises from the launch stand. The takeoff. LIQUID OXYGEN (LOX) SYSTEM COMPLEX
Refers to all the facilities and facility equipments used for
LIGHT FILTER TRANSMITTANCE receiving, handling, stonnq, pressurizing, conditioning,
The ratio of transmitter light to incident light, uncorrected controlling, and monitoring the Lax from time of receipt at
for surface reflection losses. the Lax pad to the loading of the vehicle tanks.

55
LIQUID PROPELLAHT

LIQUID PROPELLANT LOCKUP

A liquid ingredient used in the combustion chamber of a The differential between output pressure with zero flow
rocket engine. and output pressure with rated flow.
See-dynamic lockup
LIQUID-AIR CYCLE ENGINE
An advanced engine cycle which uses liquidhydroqen fuel LOGIC DIAGRAM
to condense air entering an inlet. Liquid oxygen is sepa- A diagrammatic drawing that employs logic symbols with
rated from the condensed air and pumped to the combustion interconnecting lines to illustrate system operation.
chamber where it is burned with the hydrogen to produce
thrust. LOGISTIC REQUIREMENTS
Material requirements established as necessary to maintain
LITTLE JOE or restore a system to an operational status.
Mercury test launch vehicle.
LONGITUDINAL AXIS
LITrLE JOE II The fore-and-aft line through the center of gravity of a
Apollo test launch vehicle. craft.

LIVE LOR
Lunar Impact Vehicle. Lunar Orbit Rendezvous.

LLS
Lunar Logistics System. LORAN
Long Range Navigation.

LLV
Lunar Logistics Vehicle. LOT
Consists of units of product manufactured to the same re-
quirements of contract, drawings, and specifications under
LOAD the same manufacturing methods. Maximum and minimum
See-dynamic load lot sizes shall be to specific instructions.
[atigue loads See-inspection lot
limit load
tbermal load
yield strengtb load [actor LOT QUALITY
The ratio of the number of units defective to the total
number of units.
LOAD ALLEVIATOR
See-/tangible tube load alleviator
multiable air bag load alleviator LOT SIZE
A specific quantity of similar material, collection, or similar
units from a common source. In inspection work, the quantity
LOAD FACTOR offered for inspection and acceptance at any one time. It
The factor by which the steady-state loads are multiplied to may be a collection of raw material, parts, or subassemblies,
obtain the equivalent static effect of dynamic loads. inspected during production or a consignment of finished
See-yield strength load [actor product to be sent out for service.

LOC LOW EARTH ORBIT

Launch Operations Center. An orbit which is not high enough for the spacecraft to stay
in space for an infinite length of time. A decaying orbit.

LOCAL VERTICAL
The direction in which the force of gravity acts at a particu- LOX
lar point. Liquid Oxygen.

LOCALIZATION LRC
The procedure for determining the failed component in a Langley Research Center.
system or equipment. Lewis Research Center.

LOCATION DIMENSION
Specifies the position or distance relationship of one LUNAR
feature of an object with respect to another. Of or pertaining to the Moon.

56
 LYMAN.ALPHA SCANNER

LUNAR ATMOSPHERE ANALYZER LUNAR ROVING VEHICLE

As a port of the scientific instrumentation subsystem, this A vehicle designed to faclhtate exploration of the lunar
instrument provides the capability of determining the quan- surface and to operate as a cargo transporter.
tative and gualitative composition of the lunar atmosphere.
It may also be used as a backup component for determining
the cabin atmosphere pc_ticfl pressure in the LEM. LUT
Launch umbilical tower.
LUNAR EXCURSION MODULE LEM
One module of the three-module Apollo spacecraft. It will
effect the landing on the Moon. The two-man module will LV
detach from the Apollo spacecraft commond and service Launch vehicle.
modules while in lunar orbit, descend to the lunar surface,
and then return the two men to the command and service
modules. LVOD
Launch Vehicles Operations Division.
LUNAR IMPACT VEHICLE LIVE
A study of hard landing on the Moon.
LYMAN-ALPHA SCANNER
LUNAR ORBIT RENDEZVOUS LOR An instrument used to detect and measure a prominent red
A mode involving rendezvous and coupling, fueling, or line in the spectrum of hydrogen present in the sun's
transfer in a lunar parking orbit. atmosphere.

57
M
M-1 ENGINE develops the greatest amount of thrust. In a stage and a
A liquid-propellant rocket engine. The M-1 engine uses half rocket, it is the sustoiner engine.
liqtud oxygen (LAX) and liquid hydrogen (LH-2) as
propellants. MAINT
Maintenance.
MACH
A unit of speed measurement for a moving object equal to MAINTAINABILITY
the speed of sound in the medium in which the object trav- The quality of the combined features of item design and
els. Much I, under standard conditions at sea level, is installation which facilitates the accomplishment of inspec-
about 759 miles per hour. It decreases with altitude. tion, test, servicing, repair and overhaul with minimum time,
skill, and resources.

MACH NUMBER
The raho of a velocity to the speed of sound at ambient MAINTAINABILITY INDEX
conditions. A quantitative figure of merit which relates the maintain-
See-/orce-break macb number ability of a system or equipment to a standard reference.

MAGNETIC LATCHING MAINTAINABILITY PARAMETERS

A particular type of relay operation wherein one pulse is A group of factors or environmental, human and design
required for energizing and a second pulse is required for features which affect the performance of maintenance on an
deenergizing (one pulse for setting and a second pulse for equipment.
reversing the mated contacts).

MAINTAINABILITY REQUIREMENT
MAGNETIC MERIDIAN A comprehensive statement of required characteristics, ex-
A great circle of the Earth passinq through the magnetic pressed in quantitative terms, to be incorporated in system,
poles. subsystem, and component design.

MAGNETIC STORM MAINTENANCE MAINT

A worldwide disturbance of the Earth's magnetic field. The function of retaining material in or restoring it to a
serviceablecondition.
MAGNETOGRAM See-/ield maintenance
See-solar magnetrogram organizational maintenance
precautionary maintenance
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS MHD preuentiue maintenance
Flow physics of a partially ionized gas that is accelerated
MAINTENANCE ANALYSIS
by the interaction of electric and magnetic field forces.
The process of identifying required maintenance functions
MAGNETOMETER and determining the most effective means of accomplishing
these functions.
As a part of the scientific instrumentation subsystem, this
instrument will provide the capability for determining the
MAINTENANCE COST
direction and magnitude of the lunar magnetic field.
The overall expenditure incurred in the support of a system
MAGNETOSPHERE or equipment.
The Earth's magnetic field in space.
MAINTENANCE ELEMENT

MAGNITUDE A discrete portion of a maintenance task which can be de-

scribed and measured.
Relative brightness of a celestial body. The smaller the
rnagmtude number, the brighter the body.
MAINTENANCE PROFICIENCY
MAIN STAGE A maintenance technician's ability to use and apply the

In a single stage rocket, it is the period when full thrust skills, concepts, and principles necessary for equipment
maintenance.
is attained. In a multistage rocket, it is the stage that

58
 &lAST COHHECTION SYSTEM

MAINTENANCE
TASK MANUFACTURING PROCESS
Any action or actions required to preclude the occurrence The equipment, tooling and methods that the manufacturer
of a malfunction or restore an equipment to satisfactory intends to use in production.
operating condition. f

MARGIN OF SAFETY
MAJOR ASSEMBLY The percentage by which the criterion load or stress exceeds
A combination of detail parts and subassemblies. Issued the design load or stress. E.q., criterion stress can mean
as an element of an installation, it performs a major function the material yield stress, the material ultimate stress, etc.
necessary to the operation of the installation and is con-
stzuctionally relatively complex. MARGINAL TESTING
A procedure for system checking which indicates that some
MAJOR DEFECT portion of the system has deteriorated to the point where
A defect, other than critical, that could result in failure or there is a high probability of a resultant system failure dur-
materially reduce the useability of the product for its in- ing the next operating period.
tended purpose.
MARINER
MAJOR MEASUREMENT Program for deep space probe research of Venus and Mars.
Actual measurement of the mass properties of o complete
vehicle stage or module. MARS
Manned Astronautical Research Station.
MALFUNCTION
Failure of a product to give satisfactory performance. MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER MSFC
The Marshall Space Flight Center is charged with develop-
MAN RATED SPACE VEHICLE ment of major launch vehicles to meet NASA's space mission
Space vehicles for manned flight which have achieved the requirements. Major projects conducted by Marshall are the
standards of performance and reliability previously estab- Saturn Class, Centaur, and Nova. The Marshall Space Flight
lished as reasonably acceptable for its class of equipment. Center is located at Huntsville, Alabama.

MANEUVER MASER
See--hover and translation maneuver Microwave amplification through stimulated electromagnetic
midcourse maneuver radiation.

MANEUVERABILITY MASS
That structural or aerodynamic quality in an air vehicle The measure of the amount of matter in a body, thus its
which determines the rate at which its attitude and direction inertia.
of flight can be changed. Commonly expressed in G's or See-takeo[[ mass
(gee load).
MASS PROPERTIES
MANIFOLD Physical properties which describe the mass characteristics
A pipe fitting with several lateral outlets or inlets for of space vehicles and their systems, subsystems, and com-
connecting one pipe with others. ponents. These properties include, but are not limited to
weight, mass, center of gravity location, moments of inertia
MANNED SPACE FLIGHT SYSTEM and products of inertia.
An instrument of space exploration consisting of a Com-
posite of equipment, skills, and techniques having a manned
space vehicle as its major element. MASS PROPERTIES DETERMINATION EQUIPMENT
Equipment used to weigh a completely assembled dry stage
MANNED SPACECRAFT CENTER MSC of a space vehicle and to determine its longitudinal center
This center is responsible for development and operation of gravity. This equipment is also known as weight and
of the manned spacecraft and its associated ground support balance kit.
equipment. It is located at Houston, Texas. A portion of
the centeds staff and major facilities, such as a checkout MASS RATIO
hangar, altitude test tank, procedures trainer and Mercury The ratio of the mass of the propellant charge to the total
Control Center, are located at Cape Canaveral, Florida. mass of the total mass of the rocket charqed with the
propellant.
See-propellant mass ratio
MANOMETER
An instrument for measuring pressure of gases and vapors, MAST CONNECTION SYSTEM
both above and below atmospheric pressure. Masts which provide support for the pneumatic, electrical,
fuel, Lax, other service lines and umbilicals which connect
MANUAL DOCKING to the first stage of and the launch vehicle. Links the
Manual control of the spacecraft during the docking launch vehicle to the ground system. The mast connection
mcmeuver, system is used only with the Saturn I block vehicles.

59
MASTER PLAN DRAWING

MASTER PLAN DRAWING MEAN TIME BETWEEN FAILURES MTBF

A drawing that shows sufficient features of an architectural The total measured operating time of a population of eqmp-
topographical or construction site, so that it may be used ments divided by the total number of failures.
as a guide in the long range development of the site.
MEAN TIME TO FAILURE
MATCH LINES The measured operating time of an equipment divided by the
The operating points where the inlet system air flow capaci- total number of failures.
ties and the jet engine oar flow requirements are identical.
MEAN TIME TO FIRST FAILURE
MATCHED PARTS DRAWING The average time to the first failure based on several
Depicts special application parts which are machine matched equipments.
or otherwise mated and for which replacement as a matched
set or pair is essential. MEAN TIME TO REPAIR
A paro2neter of the maintainability function and can be used
MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS as an index of maintainability in a manner analogous to the
Used to establish the engineering requirements for the pro- use of mean-time-between-failures (MTBF) as an index of
curement, inspection, and test of purchasable materials. reliability.

MATERIAL PROCESS MEASURING SYSTEM

Any procedure used in the production of any material which The system which converts any physical quantity, phenome-
significantly modifies its properties. non, or action to proper form for recording or transmitting
via telemetering link.
MATHEMATICAL MODEL
All the mathematical statements which are required to
describe a given process in all significant details under the MECHANICAL BORDER
influence of the full permissible range of variation of all That layer in the atmosphere where air resistance and fric-
the independent variables. tion become negligible.

MATS
Military Air Transport Service. MECHANORECEPTOR
A nerve ending that reacts to mechanical stimuli as touch,
MAXIMUM MATERIAL CONDITION tension, and acceleration.
A condition wherein a feature of a finished part contains
the maximum amount of material permitted by the toleranced
size dimensions specified for that feature. MEDIUM PAYLOADS
Payloads on the order of 300 to 8,500 lbs.
MAXIMUM RELIEF VALVE PRESSURE
The pressure at which the relief valve, or vent valve, is MEMBER
fully open. Constituent port of any complete whole. An essential in-
tegral part of a unit.
MAXIMUM THRUST
The highest thrust recorded on the thrust-time trace. MEMORY
The component of a computer, control system, guidance
MAXIMUM TOLERANCE system, instrumented satellite, etc., designed to provide
A specified allowance which, when added to a basic dimen- ready access to data or instructions previously recorded.
sion, defines the largest acceptable dimension.
MERIDIAN
MCC See--magnetic meridian
Mercury Control Center.
Mission Control Center. MESOSPHERE
In the nomenclature of Chapman, a stratum of atmosphere
MEAN CYCLES TO FAILURE that lies between the stratosphere and the ionosphere, some-
The total number of cycles divided by the number of failures times called the chemosphere. In the nomenclature of
(the reciprocal of the failure rate per cycle). Wares, a stratum that extends approximately from 250 to
600 miles, lying between the ionosphere and the exosphere.
MEAN FREE PATH
The average distance that a particle travels between suc- METAGALAXY
cessive collisions with the other particles of an ensemble. The entire system of galaxies.

MEAN LIFE METEOR

The arverage time between random failures which cause the A transient celestial body that enters the Earth's atmosphere
loss of at least one of the essential functions of the system with great velocity, incandescent with heat generated by the
or equipment. resistance of the air.

6O
 MINOR ASSEMBLY

METEOR SAFE WALL MIDCOURSE MODE

A protective blanket of atmosphere through which meteors The mode of operating the Apollo guidance and navigation
rarely penetrate. Meteors are burned up and vaporized in equipment (AGE) during the translunar and transearth phase
this area due to friction with air molecules. of the flight. Visual sightings are made of the Earth,.Moon,
and Stars to provide the primary navigation information.
METEORIC
Of or pertaining to meteors, or meteoroids. MILA
Merritt Island Launch Area.
METEORITE
A meteoroid which has reached the surface of the Earth with- MILESTONE
out being completely vaporized. Significant point within the research, development, test,
evaluation, production, and in-service life of a system,
METEOROID eqmpment, or effort. Milestone possesses a distinct objec-
A small solid body traveling through outer space. When a tively identifiable terminal point which can be used as a
meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere it becomes a means of evaluating progress in terms of an estimated time
meteor. schedule.

METHOD MILK STOOL

See-brute/orce method The physical arrangement of the three storable propellant
#eeze.out method rocket engines located below the main pressure vessel of
relaxation method the lunar excursion module.

METHOD OF ATTRIBUTES MINIATURIZE

Measurement of quality determined by noting the presence To construct a functiomng minature of a part or instrument
or absence of some characteristic in each of the units in the where room is at apremium, also minaturized.
group.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABILITY
MHO
Level of effective reliability that must be demonstrated at
Magnetohydrodynamics. the close of the research and development phase of a
program.
MICHOUD PLANT
A manufacturing activity, under the direction of Marshall MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE RELIABILITY
Space Flight Center, responsible for the manufacture of Reliability which must be achieved before approval of the
boosters and other large stages for use on the manned lunar first articles with operational configuration.
landing program. Plant operation is conducted by companies
under contract with NASA. MINIMUM MATERIAL LIMIT
The minimum limit of size of an internal dimension.

MICROMETEOROID MINIMUM MATERIAL SIZE

Meteoroids less than 1/250th of an inch in diameter. The limit at which a part contains the minimum amount of
material. The minimum external limit and the maximum in-
ternal Li_t.
MICROMETEORITE
A very small meteorite or meteoritic particle with a diam- MINIMUM TOLERANCE
eter less than a milhmeter. A specified allowance which, when subtracted from a basic
dimension, defines the smallest acceptable dimension.

MIDCOURSE MINITRACK
For lunar and planetary missions, this is the period between The tracking network originally established for Vanguard
escape from the originating point and before commitment to tracking and data acquisition during the international geo-
entry or orbit at the destination. physical year (1959-60). Now the basic network for tracking
small scientific Earth satellites.
MIDCOURSE MANEUVER
Changes introduced in the spacecraft flight path during the MINITRACK RADIO
midcourse period to maintain the desired trajectory. A radio receiving set that tracks an object equipped with
a miniature transmitter emitting telemeter-type signals.
MIDCOURSE MEASUREMENT Used in tracking Earth satellites.
Measurements made by taking visual sightings of Earth,
Moon, and Stars to determine vehicle position. MINOR ASSEMBLY
A combination of detail parts and subassemblies issued as
MIDCOURSE MEASUREMENT CORRECTION MMC an element of an installation. It performs a minor function
The navigation and velocity corrections which are the prin- necessary to the operation of the installation and is con-
cipal operations during the coasting phases in cislunar space. structionally relatively simple.

61
MINOR DEFECT

MINOR DEFECT MISSISSIPPI TEST FACILITY MTF

A defect that does not materially reduce the usability of NASA will use this facility for the static test site for Saturn
the unit of product for its intended purpose, or is a departure and Nova-class launch vehicles. The site is located in
from established standards having no significant bearing on southwest Mississippi, approximately fifty miles east of "
the effective use or operation of the unit. New Orleans, Louisiana.

MISStLRY MLLP
The art or science of designing, developing, building, Manned Lunar Landing Program.
launching, directing, and sometimes guiding a missile.
MMC
MISSION _lidcourse Measurement Correction.
The objective, task, or purpose which clearly indicates the
action to be taken. MOCR
See--alternate mission Mission Operations Control Eoom.
[light mission
MOCK-UP
MISSION ANALYSIS A full-sized replica or dummy.
A comprehensive evaluation of all the parameters which
affect the events of a mission. MOCK-UP INSPECTION
An inspection of a mock-up to determine the operational
suitability of the configuration and general arrangement of
MISSION AVAILABILITY the operational article represented.
The expected availability for a given mission period. De-
rived from the general model by computing the average value MOD
of time for the mission period. Modifi_tion.

MODE
MISSION CONTROL CENTER MCC (1) In statistics, the value or number m any large grouping,
Centralized over-afl control point for all phases of the flight which appears most frequently.
mission. (2) In structural dynamics, t_le characteristic shape taken
by a beam or structure when vibrated at a resonant frequency
MISSION OPERATIONS CONTROL ROOM MOCR (usually the first 3 or 4 bending modes are the most
The MOCR contains a group of specialized functional important).
locations (called stations) where specific information will (3) A descriptive term applied to a particular methodology
be available that contributes directly to the decision of the or sequence of performing one task of several possible tasks.
OpemUoas Directorate to continue, modify or abort the See-abort mode
mission. close aboard mode
midcourse mode
MISSION PROFILE
A graphic or tabular presentation of the flight plan of a MODEL
spacecraft showing all pertinent events scheduled to occur. See-development model
engineering model
MISSION RELIABILITY experimental model
The product of readiness, functional and flight reliability. li[e-test model
production model
MISSION SUCCESS proo[-test model
The attainment of all or a major part of the scientific
objectives of the flight with no crew injury or loss of life. MODIFICATION MOD
It has sometimes been alternately defined as the safe return Any alteration that changes capabilities or characteristics
of all three astronauts from a completed lunar lauding of equipments.
mission.
MODIFICATION KIT
MISSION SUITABILITY An item composed of a group of articles which is issued as
The ability of the manned space flight system to perform a unit for accomplishing an alteration to an equipment.
the mission for which it was primarily designed.
MODIFIED DRAWING
MISSION TASK Made for commercial and patented articles that are altered
The specified purpose for which a device must perform. or selected for special fits, tolerances, and performance.

MISSION VERSATILITY MODULAR TECHNIQUES

The ability of the manned space flight system to perform Techniques which encourage multiple usage or buildup of
missions other than those for which it was primarily assemblies or subassemblies by standardizing configuration
designed. and functional characteristics.

62
 MULTI P ROP ELLANT

MODULE MSC
A combination of components, contained in one package Manned Spacecraft Center (NASA, Houston, Texas).
or common to one mounting, which provide a complete func-
tion to subsystems and systems in which they operate. MSFC
See-command and service module Marshall Space Flight Center.
lunar excursion module
service module MSL
Mean Sea Level.
MOISTURE-RESISTANT MATERIAL
A material which will not absorb moisture when subjected to MTBF
conditions of high humidity for extended periods of time. Mean Time Between Failures.

MOLECULE MTF
An aggregate of two or more atoms of a substance that Mississippi Test Facility.
exists as a unit.
MULTI-DETAIL DRAWING
MOMENTS A several item drawing.
In statistics, the mean value of a power of a variate. A
moment about a particular fixed value, such as the mean, is MULTIPLE AIR BAG LOAD ALLEVIATOR
the mean value of a power of the deviations of the variates An arrangement of gas-filled bags which are attached to the
from that fixed value. vehicle. The bags collapse on impact, thus alleviating the
See-binge moment load.

MONITOR PANEL MULTIPLE SAMPLING

Panel for indicating operating conditions of a component or Sampling inspection in which, after each sample the deci-
system but with no means of control. sion may be to accept, to reject, or to take another sample.
Usually a prescribed maximum number is provided. After
MONO-DETAIL DRAWING this number of samples has been taken a decision to accept
A one item drawing. or reject must be reached. Note, multiple samplinq as de-
fined here is sometimes called sequential sampling or group
MONOCHROMATIC EMISSIVE POWER sequential sampling. The term multiple sample is
Emissive power emitted at a single wavelength for a given preferred.
temperature.
MULTIPLE SAMPLING PLAN
MONOCHROMATIC EMITTANCE Under a multiple sampling plan, results of the inspection of
Emittance radiating at a particular wavelength. one or more successive samples from an inspection lot may
be required to determine its acceptability. A multiple sam-
MONOPROPELLANT pling plan consists of three or more sample sizes with as-
A rocket propellant in which the fuel and oxidizer are pre. sociated acceptance and rejection criteria.
mixed ready for immediate use.

MOOSE MULTIPLE-LEGEND INDICATOR LIGHTS

Man Out Of Space Easiest (emergency space escape system). A display which contains two or more legend plates.

MORTALITY
See--inant mortality MULTIPLE-MODE GUIDANCE SYSTEM
A system utilizing more than one method of scanning to de.
MOTION termine position to generate direction changes to arrive at a
See-dislocation motion desired position.
/irst motion
posigrade motion
retrograde motion MULTIPLEXER

A mechanical or electrical device for sharing of a circuit by

MOTOR SKILL two or more coincident signals.
The ability to achieve adjustments of parts of the body in
an integrated smoothly flowing sequence, resulting in the
performance of some act. MULTIPLEXING

The simultaneous transmission of two or more signals

MOVING INSPECTION LOT within a single channel.
A collection of units of product offered for inspection during
a fixed period of time. All of the units of product are pre- MULTIPROPELLANT
sented to the inspector in the period during which the sample A rocket propellant consisting of two or more substances fed
is being drawn. separately to the combustion chamber.

63
MULTISTAGE IGNITION

MULTISTAGE IGNITION MULTISTAGE ROCKET

An ignition system in a ramjet in which a portion of tJ',e fuel One in back of it has exhausted its propellant. Normally,
is iqnitefl and these products are used to iqnite the remainder each unit or stage is jettisoned after completinq its firing.
of the mixture. Also called a multiple-stage rocket.

64
 N
NAMTC NEGATIVE G
Naval Air Missile Test Center (Point Mugu). Eyeballs up. The acceleration stress that a subject experi-
ences as acting from below (feet to head direction).
NASA
National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NERV
Nuclear Emulsion Recovery Vehicle (to obtain data on
NASC Van Allen belt).
National Aeronautics and Space Council.
NERVA

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND Nuclear Engine For Rocket Vehicle Application.

SPACE ADMINISTRATION NASA
Civilian agency with research and development jurisdiction NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD NPSH

in aeronautical and space activities, except those activities A parameter used in liquid rocket engines to describe the

peculiar to and primarily associated with the development of effective inlet pressure conditions to the propellant pumps.

weapons systems and military operations. The pressure head available at the pump suction flange is
provided by tank pressure head, elevation, and acceleration
forces (and is reduced by line friction and vapor pressure).
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND NPSH is the head available to prevent pump cavitation.

SPACE COUNCIL NASC

NEUTRON
Statutory Advisory Council to the President, consisting of
A subatomic particle with no electric charge having a mass
Secretary of Defense, Administrator of NASA, Chairman of
slightly more than the mass of the proton.
AEC, Secretary of State, and other members selected by the
President.
NEWTON'S LAWS OF MOTION
A set of three fundamental postulates forming the basis of

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT the mechanics of rigid bodies, formulated by Newton in

1687.
The state or conditions which would exist in the absence of
the test subject.
NM
Nautical Mile.

NAUTICAL MILE NM
NOCTILLUCENT CLOUD
A measure of distance equal to 6,076.103 ft.or approximately
High-altitude cloud lying at an altitude of 50 miles, appear-
1.15 miles.
Lug only after sunset or before sunrise when contrasted
against a dark sky. May consist of volcanic dust or inter-
planetary matter trapped by temperature incersion.
NAVIGATOR
The second member of the Apollo flight crew. The naviga- NOISE
tor's primary responsibilities are the operation and main-
Any unwanted disturbance or sound within a useful frequency
tenance of guidance and navigation equipment. He occupies band, such as undesired electric waves in a transmission
the center couch during launch and reentry, and provides channel or device. When caused by natural electrical dis-
back-up for the commander in monitoring key systems per- charges in the atmosphere, noise may be called static.
formcmce during critical mission phases. See-acoustical noise
electronic noise inter[erence
solar noise
NAVIGATION white noise
The science of guiding ships, aircraft, etc. through the use
of calculations as to posit_on and direction etc. involving NOMINAL SIZE
geometrical calculat,ons, reference to celestial bodies, A dimension of length, diameter, etc. often used to desig-
reference to landmarks, radio aids, etc. nate a standard or commercial size which approximates the
See-celestial navigation actual size.

NEBULA NOMINAL STRESS LIMITS

Any celestial structure outside the solar system that occu- The limits within which the crew's environment shall be
pies a perceptible extent in the sky and is not resolvable mamtainefl during normal operations.
into stars by a large telescope.
65
NON.STANDARD PART

NON-STANDARD PART NOZZLE

One for which no published standard or specification exists. The part of a rocket thrust chamber assembly in which the
gases produced in the chamber are accelerated to high
NONDEPENDENT ASSEMBLY OR velocities.
UNIT OF EQUIPMENT See-exhaust nozzle
Not dependent upon any other part of the design item in
order to perform its intended function. NPG
Naval Proving Grounds (Dahlqren, Va.).
NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
Testing of a nature which does not impair the usability of NPSH
the item. Net positive suction head.

NONSTRESSED LIMITS
The environmental limits to which the crew may be subjected NRDS
for extended periods of time such as orbit, lunar transit, etc. Nuclear Rocket Development Station.

NORMAL DISTRIBUTION
The fundamental frequency distribution of staUstical analy- NRX
sis. The principal characteristics of the normal law are-- The designation of the experimental reactors for the Nerva
(l) It is symmetrical. Negative and positive deviations engine system.
of equal magnitude are equally likely to occur.
(2) It is a continuous function rather than a discrete NSA
function. It assigns a definite probability to every devia- National Security Agency.
tion. There are no excluded cases.
(3) There is just one most probable result, and this is NUCLEAR FUEL
identical with the first expectation of the variable. Fissionable material of reasonably long life, used or usable
in producing energy in a nuclear reactor.
NORMAL INSPECTION
Inspection which is used when there is no significant evi- NUCLEAR RADIATION
dence that the quality of product being submitted is better The emission of neutrons and other particles from an atomic
than or poorer than specified requirements. nucleus as supporting chain reaction.

NORMAL OPERATING PERIOD NUCLEAR REACTOR

That period of equipment life during which the equipment An apparatus in which nuclear fission may be sustained in a
failure rate remmns essentially constant. self-supporting chain reaction. Commonly called reactor.

NORMAL SHOCK WAVE NUCLEAR ROCKET

A shock wave perpendicular to the direction of flow in a Rocket in which the energy for the exhaust stream is derived
supersonic flow field. Sometimes shortened to normal from nuclear fission or fusion.
shock.
NUCLEAR ROCKET DEVELOPMENT STATION NRDS
NOSECONE NASA-AEC facility concerned with performing research and
The cone-shaped leading end of a rocket vehicle consisting development work on nuclear powered rocket engines, such
of a chamber or chambers m which a satellite, instruments, as the Kiwi series to be used for upper-stage space flight
animals, plants, or auxiliary equipment may be carried, or of propulsion. The test site is located at Jackass Flats, ap-
an outer surface built to withstand high temperatures proximately 60 miles northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada.
generated by aerodynamic heating.
NUCLEUS
NOTATION The posiUvely charged core of an atom.
See-binary notation
NULL CIRCLE
NOTS Theoretical point in space where the gravitational attraction
Naval Ordnance Test Station (China Lake, Calif,). of one planet balances that of another.

NOVA NULL HYPOTHESIS

Post-Saturn launch vehicle for space missions of 1970 and An assumed proposition used for the purpose of statistical
beyond. test.

66
 0
O&C BLDG OLVP
Operations cmd Control Building. Office of Launch Vehicles and Propulsion (NASA/OMSF).

OAO OMNI-ANTENNA
Orbiting Astronomical Observatory. An antenna having an essentially non-directional pattern in
azimuth and a directional pattern in elevation.
OASM
Office of Aerospace Medicine (NASA/OMSF). OMSF
Office of Manned Space Flight (NASA).
OC
Operating characteristic. ON-LINE COMPUTING
Computation made without significant delay, and in so close
OCCULATION a relation to the source of input data as to make possible
The disappearance of a body behind another body of larger the immediate and direct use of results for process control
apIx_ent size. and other simultaneous monitoring purposes.

OCTAVE ONE HUNDRED PERCENT INSPECTION

An interval between two frequencies having a ratio of 2 to 1. Inspection of every unit of product. Each unit of product is
Also, any group of eight is an octave of elements. accepted or rejected individually for the characteristic
concerned.
OCULOGRAVIC ILLUSION
A mixed sensory illusion of flight involving the eyes and ONR
propriceptors (nerve-endings which receive stimuli from Office of Naval Research.
within oneJs own body).
OPERATING CYCLE
OCULOGYRAL ILLUSION A complete sequence of operations required for normal func-
A mixed sensory illusion of flight involving the eyes and tions of an item of equipment, or for limited test purposes.
the semicircular canals of the ear, e.g., graveyard spin,
Corioles reaction, and rotation illusion.
OPERATING PRESSURE
OFF LIMIT TEST The nominal pressure to which the components are subjected
Test at stress levels higher than design level, conducted under steady state conditions in service operations.
for the purpose of determining a safety factor or margin.

OPERATING TIME
OFFICIAL DRAWING The time period between turn-on and turn-off of a system,
Any drawing which bears a title, a drawing number, and the subsystem, component or part during which time operation
dated signature of the maker and the issue date. is as specified. Total operating time is the summation of
all operating timer periods.

0G
Outer Gimbal. OPERATION
See--autoraatic operation
OGA bleed-cycle operation
Outer Gimbal Axis.

OGO OPERATIONAL
Orbiting Geophysical Observatory (series of geophysical Equipment for which all research and development has been
research satellites, includes EGO and POGO). completed with achievement of performance objectives.

OICO OPERATIONAL CYCLE

Office of Integration and Checkout (NASA/OMSF), The required life of the equipment including all end-item
test time, transportation and handling where appropriate, all
OLO check-out time prior to flight in addition to the actual flight
Orbital Launch Operation. mission phase.

67
OPERATIONAL FLIGHT CONTROL

OPERATIONAL FLIGHT CONTROL lunar orbit rendezuous

The spacecraft in-flight control after launch. This is ac- parking orbit
complished by adaptive control before launch vehicle sepa- polar orbit
ration and by the onbeard crew after launch vehicle stationary orbit "
separation. synchronous orbit
trans[er orbit
OPERATIONAL GROUND EQUIPMENT
A functional part of a system which operates with the aero- ORBIT NODES
space vehicle or end item as an essential operating element Points in an orbit where the orbit crosses a reference plane,
thereof. such as the ecliptic or the equatorial plane.
See--aerospace ground equipment
ORBITAL BOMBER
OPERATIONAL LAUNCH VEHICLE A vehicle with the capability of orbiting speeds to allow
Launch vehicles employed after R and D has been com- circling the Earth one or more times at very high altitudes
pleted, man rating achieved, and a predetermined number of and then gliding home to Earth.
complete operational missions performed.
ORBITAL ELEMENTS
OPERATIONAL PHASE A set of 7 parameters defining the orbit of a satellite.
The period from acceptance by the user of the first operating
unit until disposition of the system equipment. The opera- ORBITAL LAUNCH OPERATION OLO
tional phase overlaps the acquisition phase. A concept involving the techniques of rendezvous, docking,
assembly in orbit, launch from orbit, in-space maintenance,
OPERATIONAL READINESS repair refueling, and permanently orbiting space station.
The probability that a system or equipment when used under
stated conditions and in an actual supply environment will ORBITAL PERIOD
operate satisfactorily during any given period of time. Some- The period of time taken by an orbiting body to make a com-
times defined as operational availability. plete orbit.

OPERATIONAL SPACE VEHICLE ORBITAL VELOCITY

Space vehicles which meet the requirements specified sepa- Velocity required to establish and maintain a satellite in
rately for the operational launch vehicle and the operational orbit. The term refers to average velocity, since the veloc-
spacecraft. ity is greater at the perigee than at the apogee.

OPERATIONAL SPACECRAFT ORBITING ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY OAO

Spacecraft employed after all R and D has been completed, A series of scientific satellites to obtain precision tele-
man rating achieved and a predetermined number of complete scopic observation of emission and absorption characteris-
operational missions performed. tics of the Sun, stars, planets, and nebulae in the ultraviolet,
infrared, and X-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
OPERATIONS DIRECTORATE STATION
A station in the Mission Operations Control Room which ORBITING SOLAR OBSERVATORY OSO
directs overall mission conduct from prelaunch through A solar-stabilized scientific satellite carrying solar-oriented
recovery. experiments, comparing radiation from the sun to that in
other portions of the sky. First launch was in 1962.
OPRM
Office of Program Review and Resources Management ORDNANCE INSTALLATIONS
(NASA/OMSF). Those components of ordnance systems which are hazardous
components, includinq squibbs, explosive devices, hyper-
ORB qolic igniters, and solid propellant motors.
A spherical body, especially a celestial sphere, a planet,
or a man-made satellite of that shape. ORDNANCE TOWER
A specific structure employed in the Apollo program at the
ORBIT launch facility. The ordnance items are installed, checked
The path in which one body revolves about another under the out, and connected in a relatively remote area and under
gravitational attraction of the latter, as a planet or comet closely controlled safety and test conditions.
around the Sun, or a satellite around a planet.
See-circular orbit ORIFICE
Earth orbit rendezvous A fixed restriction in a fluid passage which establishes the
eccentric orbit rate of fluid flow. It usually consists of a thin circular
equatorial orbit diaphragm with an accurately machined concentric hole.
equi-period trans/er orbit
geostationary orbit ORGANIZATIONAL MAINTENANCE
bobmann orbit That maintenance authorized for, performed by, and the re-
low Earth orbit sponsibility of a usinq organization on its own equipment.

68
 OZONOSPHERE

ORIENTATION CONTROL OUTGASSING

The control of the direction of the axes of a vehicle, the The evolution of gas from a solid in a vacuum.
pointing of vehicle or parts thereof toward a desired point.
OXIDIZER
A substance that supports the combustion reaction of a _uel
OSFM or propellant.
Office of Spacecraft and Flight Missions (NASA/OMSF).
OXYGEN
See-liquid oxygen
OSO liquid oxygen (LOX) system complex
Orbiting Solar Observatory.
OXYGEN-HYDROCARBON ENGINE
A rocket engine that operates on propellant of liquid oxygen
OTOLITH as oxidizer and a hydro-carbon fuel, such as the propellant
A small calcareous concretion located in the inner ear which derivatives.

plays a part in the mechanism of orientation.

OZONOSPHERE
OUTER GIMBAL AXIS OGA A stratum in the upper atmosphere having a relatively high
The axas about which theinertial
measurement unit's(IMU's) concentration of ozone, important for absorption of ultraviolet
solar radiation.
outer gimbal rotates.

69
P
PACE/LV PARALLAX
Pre-fliqht Acceptance Checkout Equipment-Launch Vehicle. The apparent displacement of an object, or the apparent dif-
ference in its direction of motion, if viewed from two differ-
PACE/SC ent points.
Pre-Flight Acceptance Checkout Equipment-Spacecraft.
PARALLEL OPERATION OF ENGINES
PACIFIC MISSILE RANGE PMR The operation of two or more engines in a system to provide
A national instrumented missile test range with down range more thrust than from a single engine without having thrust
tracking facilities, located on the west coast of the United misalignment or interference of one engine with another.
States at Point Arquello, Cahfornia. This refers chiefly to electric engines.

PAD PARAMETER
See-/uel pad One edge of the frame of reference. A term indicating the
launch pad limits of the goals, or a factor arbitrarily fixed to define the
goals which must be met in order that a mission succeed.
PAD ABORT See-maintainability parameters
Stopping the mission of a space vehicle still on the launch physiological parameters
pad because of malfunction, change in plans, or other
problems. PARKING ORBIT
An intermediate orbit around a celestial body where the
spacecraft can await development of trajectory conditions
PAD TERMINAL CONNECTION ROOM PTCR required for the next phase of the mission.
A room that will be located in the launcher area of com-
plex 39 launch pad and will contain equipment to connect the
launch control center with the launch/umbilical tower, as PARSEC
well as all the electrical equipment necessary to operate, Astronomical unit of distance equal to 19,150,000,000,000
checkout and monitor all environmental control system equip- miles, indicating the distance at which the mean radius of
ment, propellant and high pressure gas storage facilities. Earth's orbit would subtend an angle of one second of arc.

PART PT
PANEL
One piece, or two or more pieces joined together, which are
The front plate of an assembly upon which operational con- not normally subject to disassembly without destruction of
trols and indicating devices are normally mounted. design use.
See-monitor panel See-approved part
patch panels detail part
non-standard part
qualified part
PANIC BARS
standard part
Levers or control actuating devices which are easily acces-
sible and operable in the event of an emergency. PART FAILURE
A failure which usually involves a non-repairable breakdown
PARABOLA
and immediate end of life for a part which is subsequently
A conic section made by an intersecting plane parallel to the permanently replaced.
side of the cone.

PART FAILURE RATE

PARABOLIC REENTRY
That rate at which a part fails to perform its intended
Reentry at speeds of less than 36,500 feet per second. function.

PARACHUTE PARTICLE
See--drogue parachute See--energetic particle
subatomic particle
PARAGLIDER
An inflatable device, combining attributes of both the para- PARTS LIST
chute and the winged glider, being evaluated for use in the A list of parts or items for a product, unit, equipment, or any
Gemini and Apollo landing systems. portion thereof.

7O
 PHOTON ENGINE

PASSIVE CIRCUIT Performance requirements serve to tie operational availa-

A circuit which has no components capable of power gain. bility to the mission and may vary or be fixed for different or
all mission.
PASSIVE S ATELLITE
w

A communication satellite that simply reflects radio energy PERI

transmitted from one ground terminal to another without A prefix meaning near.
amplification or retransmission. A radio mirror.
PERICYNTHION
PATCH PANELS The point in an elliptical orbit about the Moon at which an
An electrical panel or board used for inter-connecting instru- orbiting vehicle is closest to the Moon.
mentation and control circuits to provide for multiple use of
instrumentation and circuitry, plus flexibility in its PERIGEE
application. That orbital point nearest the Earth when the Earth is the
center of attraction.
PATHFINDER
An instrument installed in a spacecraft used for navigating PERIHELION
or homing. That point on an elliptical orbit around the Sun which is
nearest to the Sun.
PAYLOAD
That which an aircraft, rocket, or the like carries over and PERIOD
above what is necessary for the operation of the vehicle dur- See-anomalistic period
ing its flight. early/allure period
See-medium payloads normal operating period
orbital period
PCM
Pulse Code Modulation. PERISELENE
Lowest point in a lunar orbit.
PDA
Pump Drive Assembly. PERMANENTLY FASTENED
ASSEMBLY DRAWING
PDM Depicts two or more parts that are permanently fastened
Pulse Duration Modulation. together by welding, brazing, riveting, etc., so as to form a
unit which is removable from a higher level assembly but
PENDULUM cannot be readily disassembled.
See-pulsed integrating pendulum
pulsed integrating pendulum accelerometer PERT
Program Evaluation and Review Technique.
PEP
Physiological Evaluation of Primates (primate orbital study PERTURBATION
proqram). Effect of the gravitational attraction of one body on the orbit
Princeton Experimental Package (telescope and spectro- of another.
meter package for orbiting astronomical observatory (OAO).
PFRT
Preliminary Flight Rating Test.
PERCENTAGE DEFECTIVE
That proportion of a lot which is defective. This is the
figure of merit in the population domain which characterizes PHASE
quality control measurements and differentiates it from See-comceptual pbase

reliability. operational pbase

PHOEBUS REACTOR
PERCENTILE A conceptual reactor desiqn with a higher power-to-weight
A point score assigned to any given raw score in a distribu- ratio than kiwi.
tion to indicate the percent of measures in the whole distri-
bution which fall below the given score. Percentile rank or PHONOCARDIOGRAM
percentile score. The measurement and recording of the audible heart beat.

PERCENTILE RANGE PHOTOMETRY

The interval between two given percentiles. The measurement of the intensity of light.

PERFORMANCE CAPABILITY PHOTON ENGINE

The functional ability of the equipment in terms of engineer- A projected type of reaction engine in which thrust would be
ing specifications (accuracy, range, speed, capacity, etc.). obtained from a stream of electro-magnetic radiation.

71
 PHOTOSPHERE

PHOTOSPHERE PIP DUCOSYN EXCITATION

TheoutermostluminouslayeroftheSun'sgaseous body. Voltage applied to the ducosyns to provide magnetic
suspension.
PHOTOSYNTHETIC GAS EXCHANGER
A device which utilizes plants and light energy to convert PIP SIGNAL GENERATOR EXCITATION
back into oxygen the carbon dioxide generated by man or The reference voltage for the signal generator.
animals through breathing oxygen.
PIPA
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Pulsed Integrating Pendulum Accelerometer.
Those conditions usually caused by nature.
PIRD
PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL SYSTEM Program Instrumentation Requirements Document.
A system for removing contaminants from the cabin atmos-
phere and supplying a breathable atmosphere by means of PITCH
chemical and mechanical techniques. The movement about an axis that is perpendicular to the
vehicle's longitudinal axis and horizontal with respect to a
PHYSICS primary body.
See-/ission [ragment physics
PITCHOVER
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACCELERATION The programed rum from the vertical that a rocket takes as
The acceleration experienced by a human or an animal test it describes an arc and points in a direction other than
subject in an accelerating vehicle. vertical.

PHYSIOLOGICAL FACTORS PLAGES

Factors which effect a crewls health and ability to function. Clouds of calcium or hydrogen vapor that show up as bright
patches on the visible surface of the sun.
PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS
Arbitrary mathematical expressions of the functions of living
organisms and their parts. PLAN
See-sampling plan
PICKET SHIP
One of the ocean-going ships used on a missile range to pro-
vide added instrumentation for tracking or recovering the PLAN DRAWING
missiles. This drawing indicates materials of construction, shows ar-
rangement of structural frarmng, floor or desk spaces, the
PICKOFF location of equipment or furniture as appropriate. Also may
A sensing device that responds to anqalar movement to depict individual layouts for heating, plumbing, air condi-
create a signal or to effect some type of control. tioning, electrical, or other utility systems.
See-master plan drawing
PICKUP plot plan drawing
A device that converts a sound, view, or other form of intel- uicinity plan drawing
ligence into corresponding electric signals.
PLANET
PIGGY BACK EXPERIMENT A celestial body of the solar system revolving around the
An experiment which rides along with the primary experiment sun in a nearly circular orbit, or a similar body revolving
on a space-available basis, without interfering with the mis- around a star.
sion of the primary experiment.
PLANETOID
PILGRIM One of the numerous small planets nearly all of whose orbits
Lunar colonization project. lie between Mars and Jupiter. Also called asteroid and
minor planet.
PILOT PRODUCTION OR PILOT MODEL
The initial post-tooling production of a model to prove the PLANETOLOGY
capability of the tooling and production line. The study of planets and satellites.

PIONEER PLASMA
Series of space probes. An electrically conductive gas comprised of neutral parti-
cles, ionized particles, and free electrons. As a whole,
PIP electrically neutral.
Signal indication on the scope of an electronic instrument,
produced by a short sharply pecked pulse of voltage. Also PLASMA ENGINE
called blip. A reaction engine using magnetically accelerated plasma as
Pulsed Integrating Pendulum. a propellant.

72
 POWER LANDING

PLASMA JET POLARIZATION

A magnetohydrodynamic rocket engine in which the ejection A state of electromaqnetic radiation in which transverse

of plasma generates thrust. vibrations take place in some regular manner, e.g., all in
one plane, in a circle, in an ellipse, or in some other de4i-
PLASMA SHEATH nite curve.
An envelope of ionized gas that surrounds a body moving
through an atmosphere at hypersonic velocities. POND

See-ionized plasma sheath See-burn pond

deluge collection pond
PLASTIC BEHAVIOR balding pond

Ability of a material to flow under stress, and the yielding

under stress without brittle fracture. POPULATION
The total collection of units from a common source. The
PLOT PLAN DRAWING conceptual total collection of units from a process, such as
Represents areas on which structures are clearly indicated a production process. Also used in the sense of a universal

with detailed information regarding their relahonship to (or population) of observation.

other structures, to existing and proposed utilities, topog-

raphy, boundary lines, roads, walks, fences, etc.
POSIGRADE MOTION
PLPS Orbital motion in the same direction as that normal to
Propellant Loading 6, Pressurization System. spatial bodies in a given system or in the same direction as
a reference direction.
PLS
Propellant Loading System. POSIGRADE ROCKET
A small vernier rocket on a spacecraft used to control its
PLUM BROOK RESEARCH STATION attitude during space flight, the thrust of which is in the
This station conducts research pertinent to nuclear rocket same direction as the movement of the spacecraft.
systems, chemical rockets, and power generation systems.
It is operated by the Lewis Research Center located at POSITIVE G
Sandusky, Ohio. Eyeballs down. Acceleration experienced in the downward
(head-to-feet) direction, expressed in units of gravity.
PMR

Pacific Missile Range. POST-FLIGHT

The phase of space vehicle operations beginning with the
PNEUMATIC CONTROL SYSTEM landing of the command module upon the earth and ending
A system of equipments and facilities which supplies when the final flight test report is completed.
gaseous nitrogen and helium from the high pressure GN-2
and helium storage facility. POST-LAUNCH
The period following separation of hard ground connections
from the space vehicle at launch.
POD
Pre-flight Operations Division-(Cape Canaveral).
POST-STATIC TEST
System or subsystem tests to detect possible damage or con-
POGO ditions incurred during static test, plus test of additional
Polar Orbiting Geophysical Observatory. components or systems not used during the test. E.g., only
vehicle booster is static tested, then upper stages are
checked with booster.
POINT
See-exposed test point
saddle point POUND FORCE
stationary point The force equal to the weight of a standard pound mass
test point under conditions of standard gravitational acceleration. The
basic engineering umt of force.
POLAR ORBIT
The orbit of an Earth satellite that passes over or near the
Earth's poles. POUND THRUST
A measurement unit of the reaction force generated in a jet
POLAR ORBITING or rocket engine and available for propulsion.
GEOPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY POGO
A scientific satellite to be launched into a polar orbit to ob- POWER LANDING
tain information on the properties of the upper atmosphere The landing of a spacecraft on g body in space in which the
and ionosphere with special emphasis on the polar regions. thrust of its motors is used as a brake.

73
PPM TELEMETRY

PPM TELEMETRY maximum relie[ valve pressure

In pulse position modulation telemetry the information trans- operating pressure
mitted is contained in the presence or absence of a pulse working pressure
within a known block of pulses.
PRESSURE SUIT
A garment designed to provide the human body an environ-
PRE-FIRING GROUND ment above ambient pressure so that respiratory and circula-
PRESSURIZATION EQUIPMENT tory functions may continue normally, or nearly so, under
Equipment used to provide pressurization of stage propel- low-pressure conditions that occur at high altitudes or in
lant tanks prior to static firing and launch. space without benefit of a pressurized cabin.

PRESSURIZED CABIN
PRE-STATIC TEST A cabin in an aircraft or spacecraft designed to provide an
System or subsystem tests to insure proper operation of a adequate internal air pressure to permit normal respiratory
vehicle which is to be static fired. and circulatory functions.

PREVALVE
PRECAUTIONARY MAINTENANCE A valve in the stage propellant feed systems which is used
A procedure of reconditioning a product before failure in to keep the propellants from free-flowing out of the stage
order to prevent fmlures in service. propellant tanks into engine propellant feed system.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
PRECESSION
The systematic care, servicing, and inspection of equipment
The change in the direct Jan of the axis of rotation of a for the purpose of maintaining it in servicable condition and
spinning body or of the plane o[ the orbit of an orbiting body detecting and correcting incipient failure.
when acted upon by an outside force.
PRIMARY BODY
PRECESSION OF THE EQUINOXES The spatial body about which a satellite or other body
The concial motion of the Earth's axis about the vertical to orbits, or from which it is escaping, or towards which it is
the plane of the ecliptic, caused by the attractive force of falling.
the Sun, Moon, andother planets of the equatorial protuber-
ance of the Earth. PRIMARY COSMIC RAYS
High-energy particles originatingoutside the earth's
PREDICTIVE TEST atmosphe_.
A test employing n0n-destructive measurement techniques to
identify units which will exhibit submarginal performance in
service. PRIME CONTRACTOR
A contractor with total system responsibility for the execu-
PRELAUNCH tion of work on contract to a government auency. This in-
The phase of operations,beginningwith the arrivalof space cludes all functional and admimstrative responsibilities
vehicleelements at the launch site,and ending with the necessary to satisfy contract requirements. Major programs
startof the launch countdown. can be established with separate prime contractors for es-
sentially independent systems, but each will perform as a
PRELAUNCH TEST contractual entity with respect to the contracting agency.
Test of missile and ground equipment to determine readiness
to launch. May include a countdown and a flight readiness
firing with all launch complex equipment operating, but not PRIME FOCUS FEED
including actual launching of the vehicle. A feed located at the focal point of a reflecting parabola. In
contrast, cassegrmn feed is located away from the focal
point.
PREPRODUCTION TEST
Test performed on first production equipment using factory PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR
tooling and methods to insure that processes and methods A term developed for application to the Apollo spacecraft
are capable of producing satisfactory product. contract. The principal contractor has responsibility for a
defined system with specific (sub) system exclusions. The
PREPROTOTYPE HARDWARE principal contractor retains functional responsibility for
Hardware built for the purpose of development testing prior technical integration but has no responsibility for adminis-
to the manufacture of prototype or qualification hardware. trative or contractual matters of the excluded (sub) system
these latter are retmned by the contracting agency.
PRESSURE
See-design burst pressure PROBABILITY
dynamic pressure The ratio of chances favoring an event to the total number
limit pressure of possibilities for and against it.
 PROGRJUMAED ROLL

PROBABILITY LIMITS PRODUCTION CAPACITY

Upper and lower limits assigned to estimated value to indi- The sum of all the factors of production in a defined situa-
cate the range within which the true value is supposed to lie tion, such as the national capacity.
f

according to some statement of a probabilistic character.

PRODUCTION DRAWING
PROBABILITY OF ACCEPTANCE Engineering drawings to which parts are fabricated.
ProbabiLity that a lot or process will be accepted.
PRODUCTION MODEL
PROBABILITY OF SURVIVAL The first completed object to be turned out by a particular
A numerical expression of reliability indicating the proba- method of production which serves as an example of the ob-
bility of an equipment, showing a given period of operating jects which will follow.
time without a failure.
PRODUCTION SAMPLE TEST (VERIFICATION)
PROBE Test performed on samples of production equipment at peri-
Any device inserted in an environment for the purpose of odic intervals during production to insure that it complies
obtaining information about the environment. Specifically an with standards.
instrumented vehicle moving through the upper atmosphere or
space, or landing upon another celestial body in order to ob- PROFICIENCY
tain information about the specific environment. An individual's level of skill in performing a particular task
See-interplanetary monitoring probe at any given moment. It is a function of such factors as
space probe aptitude, amount of training, and degree of motivation.
See--maintenance proficiency
PROCEDURES
A particular course or mode of action for conducting a PROFICIENCY TEST
business or the formal instructions carrying management ap- A test which measures an individual's level of development
proval, governing and prescribing the means by which per- in the performance of a given task in order to determine how
sonnel are to operate to accomplish an objective. well he can do it at the moment. The test may involve a
sample performance of actual elements of the job, or written
PROCESS questions about the job.
See-controlled process
manu[acturing process PROFILE
See-fligbt profile
PROCESS DRAWING mission pro[ile
Depicts parts in an intermediate stage of manufacturing. temperature profile

PROCUREMENT LEAD TIME PROG

The period between the study date for each item of supply Pro_.
until receipt of the first item inspected and accepted by the
procuring department. The sum of administrative and pro- PROGRAM PROG
duction lead time. A related series of undertakings designed to accomplish a
broad scientific or technical goal. Attainment of such long
PROCURING ACTIVITY range goals may be accomplished by implementation of
The element of a Government agency or department which specific projects.
maintains cognizance, control, and administration of a con-
tract entered into by the Government agency or department. PROGRAM CONTROL
That system to be used to adequately measure and contJ'al a
PROD given program.
Production.
PROGRAM EVALUATION AND
PRODUCIBILITY REVIEW TECHNIQUE PERT
Those inherent design characteristics of an item which de- Method of charting events and obtaining predicted perform-
termine the factors of production, both kind and quantity, ance in accordance with a schedule.
necessary to produce it.

PRODUCT PROGRAM PLAN

See-end product The contractor's detailed plan for implementing a specific
qualified product program. The plan shall contain specifics such as sched-
uling, org_tizations, and testing and method to be used to
PRODUCTION PROD accomplish same.
The process of collecting raw materials and converting them
by fabrication into required components and end items. It PROGRAMMED ROLL
includes production functions of scheduling, inspection, in- An automatically controlled maneuver of a ballistic missile
ventow control, etc. or satellite to rotate the vehicle about the longitudinal axis.

75
 PROGRAMMER

PROGRAMMER PROPELLANT UTILIZATION

Also referred to as program device. An assembly that The precise control over the mixture ratio of fuel to oxidizer
originates signals to other assemblies and/or vehicle/stage during operation of a liquid rocket.
systems that are time referenced to a known time.
PROPORTIONALITY
PROGRESSIVE BASE LINE DIMENSIONING The frequency of a class divided by the total frequency of
A special application of base line dimensioning which may the distribution.
be used to conserve space in certain circumstances. Dimen-
sions are established in a straight line from a common datum PROPRIETARY ITEM
line using a series of chmensions and single arrow heads, An item in which the owner has a proprietary right or interest
each of which indicates the distance from the datum line or efiablinq him to exclude others from its use or to authorize
surface. use thereof, subject to such restrictions as he may appro-
priately impose.
PROJ
Project. PROPULSION
See--electric propulsion
PROJECT PROJ rocl_et propulsion
A scheduled undertaking, within a program, which may in-
volve the research and development, design, construction PROSPECTOR

and operation of system and associated hardware, or hard- Unmanned lunar roving vehicle.
ware only, to accomplish a scientific or technical objective.
See--space /light proiect PROTON

A positively charged subatomic particle of a positive charge

equal to the negative charge of the electron but of 1837
PRONE-G
times the mass. A constituent of all atomic nuclei.
Eyeballs out. Acceleration experienced in a back-to-chest
See--solar protons
direction, expressed in units of gravity.

PROTOTYPE
An ariginal or model after which a system is copied. A
PROOF-TEST MODEL
pattern.
A complete flight type and fhqht weight spacecraft used for
testing.
PROTOTYPE HARDWARE
Developmental hardware which is representative of the con-
figuration, performance, and functional characteristics of the
PROPAGATION end item.

Describes the manner in which an electromagnetic wave such

as a radar signal, timing signal, or ray of light, travels from
one point to another. PSBLS
Permanent Space Based Logistics System.

PROPELLANT PSI
A liquid or solid substance or substances which either Pounds Per Square Inch.
separately or mixed can be changed into a large volume of
hot gases at a rate which is suitable for propelling projec-
tiles or air vehicles. PSIA
See-auto-igniting propellant Pounds Per Square Inch Absolute.
composite propellant
cryogenic propellant
liquid propellant PSIG
solid propellant Pounds Per Square Inch Gage.
star-grain propellant

PROPELLANT MASS RATIO PT

The ratio of the effective propellant mass in the propulsion Part.
system to the gross mass.
PTCR
PROPELLANT STRATIFICATION Pad Terminal Connection Room.
The phenomenon of uneven temperature, density, and pres-
sure distribution in a propellant. Propellant stratification PULSE CODE MODULATION (TELEMETRY) PCM
increases tank pressure which necessitates extra venting or The information which is transmitted is contained in the
releasing of gaseous propellant. (Since stratification im- prime position of the pulse in relation to a known reference
plies layering, this popularly accepted term is a misnomer.) point.

76
 WEIGHT AND BALANCE FACILITY

PULSE DURATION MODULATION PDM PURGE

Regulation of the length of time of pulses according to a To rid a line or tank of residual fluid, especially of fuel or
code for the purpose of transmitting messages, which can be oxygen in the tanks or lines of a rocket after a test firing or
received audibly on an oscilloscope or on tape. simulated test firing.

PULSE TIMER PURGING SYSTEM

See-/ligbt sequencer The system which introduces a noncombustible gas, such as
carbon dioxide, into the space above propellants to sweep
PULSED INTEGRATING PENDULUM PIP out (:my toxic or combustible propellants when draining pro-
A single-degree-of-freedom pendulu_r_. The PIP is the ac- pellant tanks.
celeration sensing unit of the PIPA.

PYROTECHNIC TEST AND

PULSED INTEGRATING
WEIGHT AND BALANCE FACILITY
PENDULUM ACCELEROMETER PIPA
An isolated area that is used for braiding-up the pyrotechnic
An acceleration measuring system with velocity output
components associated with the spacecraft and used for the
qugntized to discrete values of velocity grid capable of
determination of weights g.nd center of gravity of the space-
synchronization with a digltat computer.
craft with the assembled pyrotechnic items.

PUMP
See-gettering pump

77
O
QA QUALITY QUAL
Quality Assurance. A measure of the degree to which it conforms to specifica-
tion and workmanship standards. Its numerical rating is ob-
QC tained by measuring the percentage defective of a lot or
Quality Control. population at a given time.
See-acceptable quality level
QUAL average outgoing quality
QuailS. lot quality

QUALIFICATION-CONDITIONAL QUALITY ASSURANCE QA

Conditional qualification is interpreted as that stage of the A planned and systematic pattern of all actions necessary
overall qualification program in which authorization is to provide adequate confidence that the end items will per-
granted for initiation of fabrication of deliverable items form satisfactorily in actual operations.
which may be incorporated into and tested in higher levels
of assemblies.
QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS
QUALIFICATION TEST Those properties of an item or process in the population
A test of parts, components, subassemblies, and higher domain which can be measured, reviewed or observed, and
levels of assembly which is performed to demonstrate which are identified in the drawings, specifications or con-
that the desiqn is inherently capable of meeting the estab- tractural requirements.
lished requirements. Tests are designed to locate significant
failure modes and to determine the effects of varied stress QUALITY CONTROL QC
levels, combinations of tolerances, and drift of design para- A factory-oriented operation for causing o process to manu-
meters, and combinations and sequences of environments. facture a uniform product within specified limits of percent
Destructive tests and inspection of disassembled articles defective in accordance with the design requirements.
are included. See-statistical quality control
total quality control
QUALIFIED PART
A part suited for procurement as revealed by designated test. QUALITY ENGINEERING
A factory oriented operation for establishing quality tests
QUALIFIED PARTS LIST and interpreting quality data.
A listing of all qualified ports used in the contractors
equipment, including method of qualification and stage of QUALITY OF CONFORMANCE
qualification. (Conditional qualification vs. complete The adherence of a product to the design as it comes off the
qualification). production line.

QUALIFIED PRODUCT QUANTIZATION

An item which has successfully passed the required tests as The process of converting from continuous values of infor-
specified in applicable specification. mation to a finite number of discrete values.

78
 R
R AND D RADIO INTERFERENCE
Research and Development. Any undesirable radio-frequency signal which causes a mal-
function or degradation of operation of any system or
RADAR subsystem.
See-doppler radar
RADIO METEOR
RADAR ASTRONOMY A meteor detected by the reflection of a radio signal from the
The study of celestial bodies within the solar system by meteor trail of relatively high ion density (ion column).
means of radiation originating on Earth but reflected from the
body under observation. RADIO TELESCOPE
See-radio astronomy A device for receiving, amplifing, and measuring the inten-
sity of radio waves orginatmg outside the Earth's
RADIAL VELOCITY atmosphere.
Speed of approach or recession of a body from the point of
observaUon along a line connecting the two. It can be de- RADIOMETER
termined by using doppler shift methods. An instrument that detects and measures the intensity of
thermal radiation, especially infrared radiation.

RADIANT ENERGY RADIOSONDE

Energy traveling in the form of electromagnetic waves, such A balloon-borne instrument for the simultaneous measure-
as light, infrared, radio, and radar. It is measured in units ment and transmission of meteorological data.
of enerqy known as eras, joules, calories, or kilowatts. The
term radiation is generally a synonym, although in nucleonics RAMJET
the term radiation includes energy carried by particles as A compressorless jet-propulsion device which depends for
well as electromagnetic waves. its operation on the air compression accomplished by the
forward motion of the unit.

RADIATION RANDOM ERRORS

The emission and propagation of energy or matter. Energy Chance variables that are individually unpredictable. Such
traveling as a wave motion. The energy of electromagnetic errors may be described only in statistlcal terms.
waves. Radiant particles such as aplha rays or beta rays.
See-electromagnetic radiation RANDOM FAILURE
gamma radiation Any failure which occurs by chance, in an accidental,
high-energy radiation casual, or haphazard manner. Random failures may or may
incident radiation not be related to known failure modes.
nuclear radiation
so/t radiation
solar radiation RANDOM MASS PHENOMENA
solar radiation streams The behavior of a system with many subsystems that divide
ultrauiolet radiation themselves into groups bound together by some common
uisible radiation characteristics or act with others of the same type. These
aggregates are change in size, movement, effect, etc.

RADIATION BELT
A layer of trapped charged particles that surrounds a spatial RANDOM SAMPLE
body. One in which each item in the lot has an equal chance of
being selected in the sample.
RADIATION SHIELD
A device used to prevent radiation from biasing the measure- RANDOM VARIABLE
ment of a quantity and to protect bodies from the harmfulef- A variable, either discrete or continuous, which may assume
fects of nuclear radiation, cosmic radiation, or the like. any one of a number of values, each of which has a fixed
probability of occurrence.
RADIO ASTRONOMY
The study of celestial objects through observation of radio RANDOMNESS
waves emitted or reflected by these objects. An equal chance for any of the possible outcomes.

79
 RANGE

RANGE REACTION ENGINE

The difference between the greatest and the least of a set of An engine that develops thrust by its reaction to ejection of
variate values. a substance from it. Specifically, such an engine that ejects
See-environmental range a jet or stream of gases created by the burning of fuel within,,
interquartile range the engine.
percentile range
REACTION NOZZLE
RANGER Nozzles of an attitude control system.
Rough-landing lunar program. Ranger will take high resolu-
tion TV surface pictures during approaci_ to the Moon and REACTOR
will make seismograph studies of the Moon after impact and See--cavity reactor
also investigate charged particles between the Earth and the dust bed reactor
Moon. fluid bed reactor
gaseous core reactor
RANGING nuclear reactor
A term used to refer to various techniques for determining phoebus reactor
the distance of a satellite or a spacecraft from a ground
based tracking station. READINESS
See-[light readiness [irings
RAREFIED GAS DYNAMICS operational readiness
The study of the phenomena related to the molecular or non-
continuum nature of gas flow at low densitaes. READINESS RELIABILITY
The probability that a mission system will be in operating
condition when an operational demand is made on it.
RATE
See--equipment /ailure rate
READINESS TIME
[allure rate
The time required to obtain a stabilized system, ready to
part [allure rate
perform its intended function. The time is measured from the
repair rate
point when the system is unassembled or uninstalled to such
system [ailure rate
time as it can be expected to perform accurately. Mainte-
vaporization rate
nance activity time is excluded from readiness time.
weight [low rate

RATIO READOUT
The action of transmitting data, either instantaneously with
See-by-pass ratio
control ratio the acquisition of the data or by play of a magnetic tape

lift drag ratio upon which the data has been recorded.
mass ratio
slenderness ratio
READOUT STATION
thrust to weigbt ratio
tbrust-weigbt ratio A recording or receiving radio station where data is re-
ceived from a transmitter in a probe, satellite, or other
spaceera/t.
RAYS

See--cosmic rays READY TIME

gamma ray That period of time during which the system is available for
operation.

RCS REAL TIME

Reaction Control System. Time in which reporting on events or recording of events is

simultaneous with the events.

REAL TIME COMPUTER

REACTION CONTROL FACILITY A computer that will provide data read-out simultaneously
A building constructed to provide for testing of a full size with acceptance of input data.
space capsule and to withstand any explosions that may be
encountered during the test operations performed on the re- REBOUND
action control system. Network of passive communication reflectors, follow-on to
Echo.
REACTION CONTROL SYSTEM RCS
System of small, low thrust vernier engines to provide 3-axis RECOMBINATION
control of the spacecraft in the absence of aerodynamic The process by which a positive and a negative ion join to
forces. form a neutral molecule or other neutral particle.

80
 RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT

RECOVERY REFERENCE DIMENSION

The location and retrieval of the astronauts, scientific A dimension, without tolerance, useJ for informational pur-
samples and data, and spacecraft ut the termination of the poses and wtuch does not govern manufacturing mad inspec-
mission. tion operations. ,'

RECTANGULAR DIMENSIONING REGENERATIVE COOLING

A method for indicating distances, locations and sizes by The cooling of a part of an engine by the propellant. Specif-
means of linear dimensions measured parallel to reference icdily, the cooling of a rocket-engine combushon chamber or
lines or planes which ore perpendicular to each other. nozzle by circulating the fuel or oxidizer, or both, around the
port to be cooled.
RECYCLE
To stop the count and to return to an earlier point in the REGION
countdown. See-isothermal region

RED-LINE INSTRUMENTATION REJECTION NUMBER

Instrumentation to indicate emergency or abnormal operating A number associated with each sample of an attributes sam-
conditions. piing plan. An inspectmn lot is relected for an inspection if
the total number of defectives is e_Iual to or greater than the
RED-SHIFT rejection number associated with that sample.
In astronomy, the displacement of observed spectral lines
toward the longer wavelengths at the red end of the spectrum.
RELATIVISTIC
REDUNDANCY In general, pertaining to material such as a subatomic parti-
The existence of more than one means for accomplishing a cle moving at speeds which are an appreciable fraction of
given task. Parallel redundancy applied to systems where the speed of light.
both means are working at the same time to accomplish the
task, and either of the systems is ccrpable of hcmdling the RELAXATION METHOD
job itself in case of failure of the other system. Standby Technique similar to the gradient methods for solving optimi-
redundancy applies to a system where there is an alternate zation problems, in which the variables ore changed one at a
means of accomplishing the task that is switched in by a time rather than simultaneously, in covering on a solution.
malfunction sensing device when the primly system fails.
RELAY
Active communications satelhte for civil use.
REENTRY
The return of a vehicle into the atmosphere after a flight RELIABILITY
above the sensible atmosphere. The probability that system, subsystem, component, or port
See-byperbolic reentry will perform its required functions under defined conditions
parabolic reentry at a designated time and for a specified operating period.
See-acceptable reliability level
REENTRY CORRIDOR achieved reliability
That region of the attitude-velocity plane where continuous component and part reliability
flight is possible because the dynamic pressure is great computed reliability
enough to support lifting flight and yet the beating rates are design reliability
low enough to allow economic surface cooling. design reliability assurance
design reliability creation
equipment reliability
REENTRY VEHICLE RV [light reliability
A space vehicle designed to return with its payload to earth Junctional reliability
through the sensible atmosphere. individual reliability test
inberent reliability
REENTRY WINDOW minimum acceptable reliability
The area at the limits of the earth's atmosphere through mission reliability
which a space craft, in a given trajectory, can pass to ac- readiness reliability
complish a successful reentry. sampling reliability test

REFERENCE RELIABILITY APPORTIONMENT

See-Eartb fixed re/erence Method of budgeting the overall rehabzltty objective among
space-/ixed reference subordinate items.

REFERENCE DATUM RELIABI LITY ASSESSMENT

A plane assumed to be exact /or purposes of computation or An analytical determination of numerical reliability of a
reference, from which the location of vehicle features may system or portion thereof without actual demonstration
be established. testing. Such assessments usually employ mathematical

81
 RELIABILITY CONTROL

modeling, use of available test results, and some use of RESPONSE

estimated reliability figures. See-dynamic response

RELIABILITY CONTROL RETRO

The coordination and direction of technical reliability In reverse direction, as with a retrorocket for the purpose of
activities. firing opposite to the velocity vector to slow a vehicle,
usually for reentry or landing.
RELIABILITY GOAL
That reliability desired of the design. RETRO-FITTING
Modification of previously delivered hardware.
RENDEZVOUS
The event of two or more aerospace vehicles meeting in RETRO THRUST
flight at a preconceived time and place. Thrust appliedin a backward or oppositedirectionfrom the
See--cooperative rendezuous directionof motion of the vehicleor spacecraft.Retro-
Earth orbit rendezuous thrust is employed to slow a spacecraft from orbital velocity
lunar orbit rendezvous to descent velocity.

REPAIR RETROGRADE MOTION

See-essential repair Orbital motion oppositein direction to that normal to spatial
mean time to repair bodies within a given system or opposite in direction to a
reference direction.
REPAIR RATE
The probability of repair in o finite interval of time from the RETROGRADE ROCKET
initiation of the repair action. A small vernier rocket used to slow a spacecraft and prepare
it for reentry.
REPAIR TIME
Considered to be the total time that a unit is nonoperational, REVOLUTION
extending from the time of failure until the repaired unit is Motion of a celestial body in its orbit. Circular motion about
checked out and found satisfactory. an co(is, usually external to the body.

REPAIRABILITY RF
The probability that when the actual repair begins the sys- Radio Frequency.
tem will be repaired in a given period of time with a given
manpower expenditure. RGS
Radio Guidance System.
REPLACE
To substitute an operative item for an inoperative or de- RIFT
fective item. Reactor In-Flight Test.

REPLACEABILITY RMS
The characteristics of an item that allows it to substitute Root mean square.
for another item.

REPLENISHMENT ROCK AND SOIL ANALYSIS EQUIPMENT

A term associated with the replacing of cyrogenic As a part of the scientific instrumentation subsystem, this
propellants. equipment provides for obtaining samples of the lunar sur-
face material, for obtaining core samples, and for the analy-
REQUIREMENT sis of these samples.
See-logistic requirements
maintainability requirement ROCKET
station keeping requirement See-apogee rocket
booster rocket
RESEARCH chemical rocket
A continued process of scientificinvestigation priorto and control rocket
duringdevelopment. Ithas foritsaim the discovery of new dry-/uel rocket
scientific facts, techniques, and natural laws. /usion rocket
multistage rocket
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT nuclear rocket
SPECIFICATIONS posigrade rocket
Specifications formally defining the performance require- retrograde rocket
ments, design criteria, design test requirements, and func- sounding rocket
tional demonstrations which are necessary to complete a ullage rocket
research and development program. uernier rocket

82
 RV

ROCKET ENGINE ROTARY HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR

A reaction engine that contains all the substances neces- A radial vane and segmented cylinder assembly used to ro-
sary for its operabon or for the consumption or combustion tate the swing-arms horizontally. It is part of the umbilical
of its fuel. Does not require intake of any outside sub- tower swing-arm assembly. "
stance and is capable of operation in outer space. Also
called rocket motor. ROTATION
See-atomic rocket engine The turning of a body about its axis.

ROUGH COMBUSTION CUTOFF

ROCKET PROPULSION The shut-down or cutoff of an engine due to excessive vibra-
A type of reaction propulsion in which the propulsive force tion caused by rough combustion.
is generated by accelerating and discharging matter con-
tained in the vehicle. To be distinguished particularily from RP-1
jet propulsion. A kerosene-type fuel.

RP-1 FUEL SYSTEM COMPLEX

ROCKET SLED Refers to all the facilities and facility equipments used for
A sled that runs on a rail or rails and is accelerated to high receiving, handling, storing, filtering, transferring, condi-
velocities by a rocket engine. Thin sled is used by the air tiomng, controlling, and monitoring the RP-1 fuel.
force in determining G tolerances and for developing crash-
survival techniques. RSCS
Rate Stabilization and Control System.

ROCKOON RUMBLE
A rocket research vehicle designed to be carried by a balloon A form of combustion instability, especially in a liquid-
to very high altitude before being fired. propellant rocket engine, characterized by a low-pitched,
low frequency rumbling noise.
ROLL SIZE DRAWING
Those which, due to their length, are filed in rolls and RV
usually do not have a printed format. Reentry Vehicle.

83
 S
S-BAND S-IB STRUCTURE
Frequencies in the region of 2500 meqacyles per second. The structural support for the S-IB stage is provided by five
L0X containers rigidly supported at the forward end by a
S-I PROPULSION spider assembly, and at the aft end by the engine thrust
The S-I stage is powered by eight Rocketdyne H-1 engines structure assembly. In this configuration, four equal-diameter
developing a total nominal sea level thrust of 1,500,000 containers circumvent a single large diameter container.
pounds. The engines burn LOX and RP-I. Vehicle control Between the four outer LOX containers there are four RP-1
and stability are achieved by directing the thrust of the four
fuel containers. The fuel containers are not rifl_qJy attached
outboard engines in response to electrical control signals to the spider be_n, and therefore do not structurally support
developed in the guidance and control system (housed in the the stage. The stage structure includes eight fins which
instrument unit). aid in stabilizing the vehicle in the lower atmosphere. In
addition, the fins provide the vehicle with eight integral
support and holddown points while the vehicle is on the pad.
S-I STAGE The fins are attached rigidly to the stage outriggers.
The first stage of the SATURN I launch vehicle. It is de-
signed to propel the vehicle, with payload, through the S-IC PROPULSION SYSTEM
initial part of the trajectory. The stage is approximately The SIC stage is powered by five Rocketdyne F-1 enqines
dO-feet long, 21-feet in diameter, and weighs over 50 tons developing a total nominal sea level thrust of 7,500,000
dry. Fully loaded with propellant, the stage weighs over pounds. The engines burn LOX and RP-1. Vehicle control
500 tons.
and stability are obtained by directing the thrust of the
four outboard engines in response to electrical control
sic/ncfls developed in the control system (housed in the in-
S-I STRUCTURE strument unit).
The structural support for the S-I stage is provided by five
LOX containers, rigidly support at the forward end by a S..IC STAGE
spider assembly, and at the aft end by the engine thrust- The first stage of the SATURN V launch vehicle. It is de-
structure assembly. In this configuration, four equal-diameter signed to propel the space vehicle for the first 150 seconds
containers circumvent a single larger diameter container. of the trajectory. The stage is approximately 138-feet long,
Between the four outer LOX containers there are four RP-1 33-feet in diameter, and weighs over 140 tons dry. Fully
fuel containers. The fuel containers are not rigidly attached loaded with propellant, the stage weighs over 2300 tons.
to the spider beam, and therefore do not structurally support
the stage. The stage structure includes four large fins and S-IC STRUCTURE
folzr stub fins which aid in stabilizing the vehicle in the Propellant for the engines of the S-IC stage is contained in
lower atmosphere. In addition, the fins provide the vehicle two containers connected by an intertank section. The con-
with eight integral support and holddown points while the tainers are cylindrical with ellipsoidal bulkheads supported
vehicle is on the pad. The fins are attached rigidly to the by frames and longitudinal stiffeners. The stage is struc-
stage outriggers. turally designed to have free-standing capability without
having the propellant containers pressurized. Four fins,
located outboard of the engines, aid in aerodynamic stabili-
S-IB PROPULSION SYSTEM zatian of the vehicle.
The S-IB stage is powered by eight Rocketdyne H-1 engines
developing a total nominal sea level thrust of 1,500,000 S-II PROPULSION SYSTEM
pounds. The engines burn LOX and RP-1. Vehicle control The S-II stage is powered by five Rocketdyne J-2 engines
and stability are achieved by directing the thrust of the four developing a total vacuum thrust (nominal) of 1,0(X),000
outboard engines in response to electrical control signals pounds. The engines burn LOX and LH-2. Vehicle control
developed in the guidance and control system (housed in the and stability are obtained by directing the thrust of the
instrument unit).
engine in response to electrical control signals developed
in the guidance and control system (housed in the instrument
S-IB STAGE unit).
The first stage of the SATURN IB launch vehicle. It is
designed to propel the vehicle with payload through the S.,,II STAGE
iniUal part of the trajectory. The stage is approximately The secondary stage of the SATURN V launch vehicle. It
80-feet long, 21-feet in diameter, and weighs over 40 tons is designed to propel the space vehicle from an altitude of
dry. Fully loaded with propellant, the stage weighs over 200,000-feet to 600,000-feet. The stage is approximately
500 tons. 81-feet long, 33-feet in diameter, and weighs over 36 tons

84
 SAT

dry. Fully loaded with propellant, the stage weighs over SA-T1
500 tons. StaUc test booster.

S-II STRUCTURE SA-1

As a result of propellant container design, the structure of First Saturn flight vehicle.
the S-II stage is self-supporting even though unpressurized.
The propellant containers are integral, with the LH-2 con- SAC
tainer forward of the LaX. Strategic Air Command.

S-IV PROPULSION SYSTEM SADDLE POINT

The S-IV stage is powered by six Pratt and Whitney RLIO Stationary point which is a relative minimum with respect to
A-3 engines developing a total-vacuum thrust (nominal) of at least one independent variable, and a relative maximum
90,000 pounds. The engines burn Lax and LH-2. Vehicle with respect to another.
control and stability are achieved by directing the thrust of
all six engines in response to electrical control signals SAFETY
developed in the guidance and control system (housed in the See--factor o/ safety
instrument unit). margin o/ safety
ultimate safety factor
S-IV STAGE yield safety factor
The second stage of the SATURN I launch vehicle. It is
designed to propel the payload into a nominal-circular Earth
orbit. The stage is approximately 41-feet long, 18-feet in SAMPLE
diameter, and weighs over 12,000 pounds dry. Fully loaded See-auerage sample number
with propellant, the stage weighs over 57 tons. censored sample
production sample tests (verification)
S-IV STRUCTURE random sample
As a result of propellant container design, the structure of
S-IV stage is self-supporting even though unpressurized.
The propellant containers are integral (supported by a com- SAMPLE SIZE
mon bulkhead) with the LH-2 container forward of the LOX. The number of units in a sample. Also used in the sense of
The stage does not require fins for stability. the number of observations in a sample.

S-IVB PROPULSION SYSTEM

The S-IVB stage is powered by a single Rocketdyne J-2 SAMPLE UNIT

engine developing a total vacuum thrust (nominal) of A unit of product selected without regard to its quality, to
200,000 pounds. The engine burns LOX and LH-2. Vehicle be part of a sample.
pitch and yaw control are achieved by directing the thrust
of the engine. Roll control is provided by an auxiliary pro-
pulsion system. Control signals originate in the instrument SAMPLING
unit. There are two auxiliary propulsion modules, one on See-acceptance sampling
either side of the stage. Each module contains five hyper- double sampling
golic motors used for attitude and ullage control. multiple sampling
sequential sampling
S-IVB STAGE
single sampling
The second stage of the SATURN IB launch vehicle and the
third stage of the Saturn V launch vehicle. It is designed
to inject the spacecraft into an Earth parking orbit, and to SAMPLING PLAN
then restart to give the velocity required for Earth-lunar A specific plan which states the sample sizes, and the cri-
transit. The stage is approximately 59-feet long, 22-feet in teria for accepting, rejecting or taking another sample to be
diameter, and weighs over 10 tons dry. Fully loaded with used in inspecting a lot.
propellant, the stage weighs over 120 tons. See--acceptance sampling plan
multiple sampling plan
S-IVB STRUCTURE
As a result of propellant container design, the structure of
the stage is self-supporting even though unpressurized. The SAMPLING RELIABILITY TEST
propellant containers are integral with the LH-2 container Same as the individual reliability test except that it is
forward of the LOX container. longer in duration, and is done on samples selected at
random from equipment successfully passing the require-
.%-1 ments of the individual reliability tests.
Booster for the SA-1 vehicle.

SA-D1 SA
Dynamic test vehicle. Saturn.

85
SATELLITE

SATELLITE SATURN I-B SEPARATION SYSTEM

An attendont body that revolves about c_lother body. The separation of the S-IB and S-IVB stages is accomp-
lished during a short coast period prior to S-[VB engine igni-
See-active re_eater satellite
tion, using a single plane separation mode. Separation is .,
arti[icial Earth satellite
communications satellite assisted by four ullage motors mounted on the aft skirt of

eartb-stabilized satellite the S-IVB structure and four retromotors mounted on the

Explorer satellite series S-IVB aft interstage. During the separation sequence inter-

[ixed satellite stage blow-out panels are removed to vent LOX from the

passive satellite S--IVB engine thrust chambers.

stationary satellite
SATURN V SEPARATION SYSTEM
synchronous satellite
Separation of the expended S-IC stage is by a dual plane
SATURN SA separation mode. This mode consists of severing the

Previous designation for Saturn I. S-IC/S-II interstage at the J-2 engine exit plane followed by
separation of the interstage section. Eight retromotors
located in the S-IC stage engine fairings are used in the

SATURN B separation sequence. Separation of the expended S-II stage

Previous designation for Saturn IB. is accomplished during a short coast period prior to ignition
of the S-IVB engine. Retromotors on the S-IVB after inter-
stage effect positive separation.

SATURN C-1
SATURN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Previous designation for Saturn I.
The electrical system for the vehicJe suppJies electrical
power properly conditioned to meet the requirements of the

SATURN C-1B guidance and control, instrumentation, command destruct,

Previous designation for Saturn IB. ordnance, and propulsion systems. The primary power source
is composed of zinc silver-oxide batteries with associated
distributors and inverters. The basic design goal is to have

SATURN C-5 no power applied across the stage interface. Thin is

Previous designation for Saturn V. accomplished by including a complete electrical power sup-
ply in each stage (including the instrument unit).

SATURN I BLOCK i
Launch vehicle used on the Apollo program for flight testing SATURN GUIDANCE AND CONTROL SYSTEM

and development of the Saturn S-I stage systems. The The a11-inertialguidance and control system is contained

second and third stages are water filled dummy tanks simu- in the instrument unit. Control signals from the system are
applied to the active stage during powered flight. A pre-
lating the weight of propellant filled upper stages.
determined time-tilttrajectory is used during the first stage

SATURN I BLOCK II operation with control signals going to the first stage engine
Launch vehicle used far developmental flights of the Saturn actuators. For the remaining powered phases, a path adap-

booster, the launching of Apollo spacecraft into earth orbit, tive guidance mode is used with control signals to the

and the launching of Apollo spacecraft into lunar return and engine actuators to achieve the mission trajectory.

reentry trajectories.

SATURN I SEPARATION SYSTEM SATURN INSTRUMENTATION SYSTEM

The separation of the S-I and S-IV stages is accomplished Each stage of any Saturn launch vehicle has an independant
instrumentation system, which consists of the measuring
during a short coast period prior to S-IV engine ignition
using a single plane separation mode. Separation is assisted and signal conditioning, telemetry, antennas, tracking, and

by four ullage motors mounted on the aft skirt of the S-IV range safety systems. The range safety system is interstaqe
structure and four retromotors mounted on the spider beam of connected, to insure redundancy.

the S-I stage. During the separation, sequence interstage

blow-out panels are removed to vent LOX from the S-IV
SATURN MECHANICAL SYSTEM
engine thrust chambers.
The mechanical system of any Saturn configuration includes,

SATURN IB within each stage, an electron hydraulic system for each

Launch vehicle planned in the support of the Apollo program engine, ullage motors and retromotors for stage separation,

by launching Apollo spacecraft modules in Earth orbit. Ad- and equipment for environmental conditioning.

dition_ missions may include lunar explorations and lunar

SC
logistics support.
Spocecxaft.

SATURN V
SCALE HEIGHT
Launch vehicle used in the Apollo program, the primary mis-
sion of which is to boost the payloads used to perform the A measure of the relationship between density and tempera-
ture at any point in an atmosphere.
manned lunar landing and return.
 SERVICE MODULE
SCALING EFFECT
The influenceof size on the operationand efficiencyof a fmlure is one which occurs as a by product of an indepen-
system. dent failure.

SCANNER SEISMOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT

See-t yman.Alpba scanner As a port of the scientific
instrumentationsubsystem, t_is
equipment providesthe capabilityforinvestigatingthe sub-
SCATS surfacestructureof the Moon by measurements taken after
Simulation, Checkout and Training System. exploding a charge below the lunar surface.

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM SELECTED INTERCHANGEABILITY

A diagrammatic drawing that shows function symbols with Exists when allcomponents manufacturedto the same gen-
interconnections to illustrate circuit operation. It does not eralspecificationare not interchangeable.The component
necessarily identify physical location of components or partsare placed in classes so thattherewillbe complete
connections between them. interchangeahilityin each class.
See-advanced schematic
SELECTED PART
SCHMO0 PLOT A part that has been approved or accepted by a user for one
A plotwhich shows the operatingmargins when thecom- or more applications based upon known satisfactory usage
ponent under testis varied between itsupper and lower or test in connection with this or some other program.
"end of life"limits,while allother components are at the
worst end of the initialacceptance tolerances. SELENOCENTRIC
Relatingto the centerof the Moon. Referringto the Moon as
a center.
SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTATION SUBSYSTEM
This subsystem is designed primarily for selenologic re- SEMI
search. It includes tools and instruments necessary to per- A prefix denoting half. Occurring or coming every half
form programmed scientific experiments. Proposed compo- period. E.g., a semi monthly event will occur twice a month.
nents of this subsystem include; lunar atmosphere analyzer, Compare with hi.
gravitometer, magnetometer, radiation spectrometer, speci-
men return container, rock and soil analysis equipment, soil SENSOR
and temperature instrument, and seismographic equipment. The component of an instrument that converts an input signal
into a quantity which is measured by another part of the in-
SCOUT strument. Also called sensing element.
4-stagesolidrocketlaunch vehicle.

SCREAMING SEPARATION
A form of combustion instability, characterized by a high- In multistage space vehicles, the action time or place at
pitched noise, especially in a liquid-propellant rocket which a burned-out stage is discarded and the remaining
engine, of relatively high frequency. missile continues on its course.

SCREENING TEST SEQUENTIAL SAMPLING

Test employing nondestructiveenvironmental,electrical,
or Sampling inspection where, after each unit is inspected, the
mechanical stressesto identifyanomalous items. decision is made to accept, reject, or to inspect another
umt.
SCRUB
To cancel a scheduled rocket firing, either before or during SEQUENTIAL TEST
countdown. The measurement by statistical hypothesis of a sequence of
samples where it is decided at each step in the sequence to
SCS accept the hypothesis, to reject the hypothesis, or to take
Stabilization
and ControlSystem. an additional sample.

SEALED CABIN SERB

A cabin sealed against exfiltration or infiltration of any gas, Study of Enhanced Radiation Belt.
liquid, or solid.
SERT
SECONDARY COSMIC RAYS Space ElectricRocket Test (programto testelectricpro-
Secondary emission in the atmosphere stimulated by primary pulsiansystems).
cosmic rays.
SERVICE MODULE SM
SECONDARY FAILURE The portionof the spacecrafthousing the storesand systems
A cessation of ability of an item to perform its required which do not requiremaintenance or directoperationby the
function due to the malfunction of another item. Secondary crew and are not requiredby the command modu]e after
separation.

87
SERVICE MODULE SIMULATOR

SERVICE MODULE SIMULATOR SHADOWGRAPH

This simulator, when used in conjunctionwith the space- A picture or image in which steep density gradients in the
craft adapter simulator and the launch vehicle simulator, flow about a body are made visible, the body itself being
assists in checkout of the command module (CM) without presented in silhouette.
utilizing the service module (SM). The simulator provides,
to either SM interface, a facsimile of the SM signals, power
requirements, loads, and other functions. No provisions are SHAKE-TABLE TEST
made for simulation of self contained functions of the SM. A laboratory test in which an instrument component is placed
in or on a vibrator that simulates one of the conditions dur-
ing the launch of a missile or other vehicle.
SERVICE PROPULSION SYSTEM SPS
The main propulsion system in the service module (SM) SHELF LIFE
powered by a liquid-propellant rocket engine, designed to Storage or nonoperational time that can be accumulated on
provide propulsion for gross trgnslunar and transearth mid- items before they are placed in operating use or before one
course velocity corrections, and for lunar orbit injection of the following actions must be taken: visual inspection,
and transearth injection. During Earth orbit missions, the functional testing, overhauling, scrapping, or rejuvenating.
system, provides propulsion for Earth orbital transfer and
correction and orbit injection, it can also provide thrust for SHIELD
post-atmospheric abort following jettison of the launch See-radiation shield
escape system.
SHIFT
See-doppler shift
SERVICE STRUCTURE red shift
A steelstructurewhich is used to erect,assemble, check-
out and servicespace vehicles. The structureincludeswork SHIRTSLEEVE ENVIRONMENT
platforms,hoistingequipment, personnel and equipment Environment not requiringthe wearing of a pressure suit.
elevators. It is usually mobile so that it may be removed
from the launcher area. Also called a gantry. SHOCK WAVE
See-normal shock, wave

SERVICE TEST SHOCK ISOLATION

A test, under simu/ated or actual conditions, to determine The protection of equipment, components, systems and facili-
the characteristics, capabilities, and limitations of a given ties, etc., from shock-type forces which are associated with
piece of equipment or material. Also a test made at any explosions, impacts, decelerations and accelerations, etc.
point in the development of a piece of equipment or material,
with the object of predetermining ultimate capability and SHOCK STRUTS
serviceability. Shock attenuating devices for personnel support, restraint
couches, and other parts of the CM and LVM.
SERVICEABILITY
Equipment design, configuration, lnstailatlon, and operation SHOCK-WAVE DURATION
that minimizes maintenance, inspection and servicing. The time required for the value of the instantaneous acceleP
atian to depart from and return to zero.
SERVO FLUTTER
See-coupled servo [lutter
SHOCK-WAVE RISE TIME
SET The required time for the value of the instantaneous accel-
A unitor unitsand necessary assemblies, subassemblies eration to increase from zero to a maximum value.
and partsconnected or associated togetherto perform(:In
operational function. SHOT
Slang for launch.
SEXTANT SXT
An instrument designed for the measurement of angles sub- SHUTDOWN
tended at an observer's position by distant objects. The process of reducing engine thrust to zero. Synonymous
with cutoff.
SFA
Suafinder Assembly. SIGMA LIMITS
The interval about the mean expressed in units of standard
SFERICS deviation.
Radio static associated with severe electrical storms.
SIGNIFICANCE LEVEL
SFOF A predetermined expected fraction of all cases of repetition
Space Flight Operations Facility (operations center for JPL of the test in which the hypothesis is rejected under the
space programs). test, even rough it is true.

88
 SNAP-IO

SILO ENCLOSURES SIZE DIMENSION

Enclosures which protect the space vehicle on the launch A specified value of a diameter, width, length, or other
pad from adverse wind and weather. The enclosures are part geometrical characteristic directly related to the size of an
of the service structure, integral with the service platforms object. "
and take the shape of a silo when the split sections are
mated. SKETCH DRAWING
Original reproducible drawings prepared by engineering or
drafting personnel for the purpose of facilitating or expedit-
SIMULATED FLIGHT TEST ing the fabrication or procurement of parts, test equipment,
A test in which all vehicle subsystems are operated, in so etc., when time does not permit preparation of regulation
fox as possible, through a typical sequence simulating the drawings according to approved standard drafting practices.
entire flight of the vehicle. This test also provides a com-
patibility test of the vehicle system. SKEWNESS
Non-symmetry in a frequency distribution.

SIMULATION SKIN TRACKING

A set of test conditions designed to duplicate field operat- The tracking of an object by means of radar.
ing and usage environments.
SKIP-OUT BOUNDARY
The upper limits of the reentry corridor.
SIMULATION, CHECKOUT
AND TRAINING SYSTEM SCATS SKIRT
This system contmns equipment to simulate telemetry, See-adapter skirt
trajectory, and command data as well as voice communica-
tions, for subsystem tests, open loop simulations, closed SKY SCREEN
loop simulations, and ground network checkout. An element of equipment used by the range safety officer
that provides indication whenever the missile deviates from
planned trajectory.
SIMULATION CONTROL CENTER
A facility within the integrated mission control center SKYLARK
eqmpped in a manner to allow control and evaluation of the A sounding rocket.
operational procedures and actions of ground-based elements
involved in closed-loop mission simulations. SLENDERNESS RATIO
A configuration factor expressing the ratio of a rocket
SIMULATOR vehicle's length to its diameter.
A device or equipment used during manufacturing, test,
checkout and training operations, which produces a signal, SLOSHING
appearance or environment similar and equivalent to the real The back-anti-forth splashing of a liquid fuel in its tank,
system, equipment, stage, etc. creating problems of stability and control in the vehicle.
See-command module simulator
five-degree o//reedom simulator SLOW-MEMORY LINER

[light simulator A covering over the astronauts couch which will improve
launch escape simulator load distribution and absorb shock on landing impact.
service module simulator

space simulator SLUG

spacecra[t adapter simulator A unit of mass. The mass of a free body which if actea
stage interlace simulator upon by a force of 1 pound would experience an acceleration
of 1 foot per second.
SINGLE SAMPLING
Sc_npling inspection in which a decision to accept or to re- SLURRY

ject is reached after the inspection of a single sample. A suspension of fine solid particles in a hTuid.

SIO
Staged In Orbit. SM
Service Module.
SIZE
See-actual size SNAP
basic size System for Nuclear Auxiliary Power.
design size
lot size SNAP-IO
minimum material size A nuclear electric power generating system using a liquid
nominal size metal cooled reactor and thermoelectric umts for thermal to
sample size electrical energy conversion.

89
SNAP-2

SNAP-2 SOLAR MAGNETOGRAM

A nuclear electric power generating systel_ incorporating a A recording obtained on Earth that measures the magnetic
liquid metal cooled nuclear reactor and a ranklne cycle activity of sunspots.
energy conversion system. Mercury is the energy conversion
system working fluid that drives the turbine, which is di- SOLAR NOISE

rectly connected to an electrical generator. Electromagnetic radiation which radiates from the atmosphere
of the San at radio frequencies.
SNAP-50
An advanced turboelectric power generating system intended SOLAR PADDLE

to be in the power range of hunareds of kilowatts. Paddle-like devices attached to a spacecraft, which contain
"small solar cells used to convert sunlight rata storable

SNAP-8 electrical energy.

A program developing nuclear power systems to be carried on

SOLAR PROTONS
board spacecraft.
Elementcuy charged particles and nuclei of hydrogen atoms
SNPO accelerated by the Sun and ejected into space with energies

Space Nuclear Propulsion Office. up to several billion electron volts.

SOFAR NET SOLAR RADIATION

A hydrophone system used to provide impact location on The total electromagnetic radiation emitted by the Sun.

Earth of reentry vehicles, by measuring time of arrival of

sound waves in the ocean and then triangulating. SOFAR is SOLAR RADIATION STREAMS

an acronym for Sound Fixing And Ranging. All forms of radiant energy, including visible light, that
emanate from the Sun.

SOFT LANDING SOLAR SAILS

Landing on a planetary body at a slow speed to avoid de- Devices which can utilize solar pressure to orient or accel-
struction to the landing vehicle. erate space vehicles.

SOLAR TIME
SOFT RADIATION Time measured by reference to the apparent motion of the
Radiation which is absorbed by an absorber equivalent to 10 Sun about the Earth.
centuneters of lead or less.
SOLAR WIND

SOIL TEMPERATURE INSTRUMENT A stream of protons constantly moving outward from the
As a port of the scientific instrumentation subsystem, this San.

instrument provides the capabihty for measuring lunar sur-

face and lunar subsurface temperature. SOLID PROPELLANT
Specifically, a rocket propellant in solid form, usually con-
SOLAR ATMOSPHERIC TIDE taining both fuel and oxidizer combined or mixed and formed
Vertical motion of the atmosphere due to thermal or gravita- into a monolittuc (not powdered or granulated) grain.
tional action of the Sun.
SONIC SPEED
SOLAR CELL The speed of sound. By extension, the speed of a body

A photovoltaic device that converts sunhght directly into traveling at much 1.

electrical energy.
SOPHISTICATED
SOLAR COLLECTOR Complex and intricate. Making use of advanced art. Re-

A parabolic mirror-type device used to collect and concen- quiring special skills to operate.
trate solar energy.
SOUND PLANE LEVEL

SOLAR CONCENTRATOR The pressure generated by a sound wave. The unit of meas-

A device such as a parabolic mirror used to concentrate ure is the decibel which is usually the unit for measuring the
relative loudness of sounds.
radiant solar energy to a small area.

SOLAR CORONA SOUNDING ROCKET

Outer atmospheric shell of the Sun. A rocket designed to explore the atmosphere within 4,000
miles of the Earth's surface.

SOLAR FLARE
SOURCE CONTROL DRAWING
Solar phenomenon which gives rise to intense ultraviolet and
corpuscular emission from the associated region of the Sun, An engineering drawing defining vendor substantiation test-

atlecting the structure of the ionsphere which interfers with ing. The drawings are applicable to vendor designed parts

communications. only.

9O
 SPACECRAFT SYSTEM

SPA SPACE VEHICLE SV

Servo Power Assembly. The entire space]Dome element. It consists of the spacecraft
and the launch vehicle.
SPACE See-operational space vehicle
Specifically, the part of the universe tying outside the man rated space vehicle
limits of the Earth's atmosphere. More generally, the volume
in which all spatial bodies, including the E_th, move. SPACE VEHICLE SIMULATOR
See-annular space An assemblage of equipments that simulates the entire
circumplanetary space space vehicle to validate the vehicle integrated checkout
system.
SPACE EQUIVALENCE
A state of being in which a condition or condihons within SPACE VEHICLE SYSTEM
the atmosphere are virtually identical with a condition or The over-all complex of e_luipments, methods, procedures,
conditions beyond the atmosphere. and personnel retuirements needed to fulfill the mission of
the space vehicle.
SPACE EXPLORATION
The effort established, through space programs, to develop SPACE-FIXED REFERENCE
man's knowledge of the universe. An oriented reference system in space, independent of
Earth phenomena for positioning.
SPACE FLIGHT PROJECT
A task within the realm of space flight which leads to the SPACE-TIME DILEMMA
accomplishment of mission objectives. E.g., collection of According to Einstein's Theory of Relativity, time would
scientific data, transportation of cargo and personnel be- slow down increasingly for occupants of systems moving at
tween two terminals, and satisfaction of commercial velocities approaching the speed of light, relative to the
reqmrements. Earth. This slowdown would not be apparent to inhabitants
of the spacecraft until they returned to Earth.
SPACE LAW

A projected code of international law that would govern the SPACECRAFT SC

use or control of space. The vehicle required to perform the mission after injection
into the mission trajectory and consists of the command
SPACE MEDICINE module, service module and lunar excursion module.
A branch of aerospace medicine concerned specifically with See-Apollo spacecra/t
the health of persons who make flights beyond the sensible operational spacecra#
atmosphere. test spacecra/t

SPACE PLATFORM SPACECRAFT ADAPTER

Habitable orbiting installation, normally geocentric, used as A shell of adhesive bonded aluminum honeycomb, reinforced
a base for launching vehicles for space research. with sheet metal, which performs the physical mating of the
Apollo spacecraft to the Saturn launch vehicle. For the
SPACE PROBE lunar landing mission, it houses the lunar excursion module
A research vehicle intendeo to reach a distant point in (LEM).
space.
SPACECRAFT ADAPTER SIMULATOR
SPACE REDDENING This simulator supplies signals and functions that are
The observed reddening, or absorption of shorter wave- supplied operationally by the adapter to the spacecraft and
lengths, of the light from distant celestial bodies caused by the launch vehicle, and so, facilitates combined-systems
scattering by small particles in interstellar space. checkout of these neighbors without an adapter. Primarily,
the adapter simulator consists of wiring, since only a few
signals or functions have their origin in the adapter. The
SPACE SCIENCE signals are primarily sensor responses.
The specific discipline assocmted with the development of
knowledge about the universe.
SPACECRAFT OPERATIONS AND
CHECKOUT FACILITY
SPACE SIMULATOR A facility that houses the assembly and checkout for tinct[
A device which simulates some condition or conditions testing of assembled mecbamcal and electrical components
existing in space and is used for testing equipment and in the spacecraft.
training programs.

SPACE SYSTEM SPACECRAFT SYSTEM

A system consisting of launch vehicle, spacecraft, ground The spacecraft and all equipment on the ground or in space
support equipment, and test hardware used m launching, that is associated with flight preparaUon and requred dur-
operating and maintaining vehicle or craft m space. ing flight operation.

91
SPACESUIT

SPACESUIT SPIN STABILIZATION

Stabilization of a space craft by gyroscopic forces.
Pressure suit designed for wear m space or at very low-
pressure altitudes within the atmosphere, designed to permit
SPS
wearer to leave the protection of a pressurized cabin.
Service Propulsion System.
SPARE PARTS
A component of an item used to maintain or repair the item. SPUTTERING
Dislocation of surface atoms of a material bombarded by

SPEC high-energy atomic particles.

Specification.
-SQUIB

SPECIFIC GRAVITY A small pyrotechnic device used to fire the igniter in a

rocket, or for some similar purpose. Not to be confused with
The ratio of the weight of any volume of a substance to the
a detonator which explodes.
weight of an equal volume of another substance, taken as
standard, at a constant or stated temperature. Solids and
liquids are usually compared with water at four degrees
STABILITY
centigrade.
The property of a subsystem which causes forces or moments
to be developed to restore equilibrium whenever that
SPECIFIC IMPULSE
equilibrium is disturbed.
A performance parameter of a rocket propellant, expressed in
See-dynamic stability
seconds, and equal to thrust divided by weight flow rate.

SPECIFICATION SPEC
STABILIZATION
A detailed description of the characteristics of a product and
of the criteria which must be used to determine whether the See--spin stabilization

product is in conformity with the description.

See-detail speci[ication
STABILIZATION AND CONTROL SYSTEM SCS
material speci/ications
A system in the Apollo spacecraft that controls angular
researcb and development speci/ications
orientation and stabilization of the spacecraft about its three
axes by sensing angular displacement and angular rate. For
SPECIFICATION WEIGHT
automatic control, engine gimbals and the reaction control
The maximum allowable wmght for an item as specified in a
system (RCS) control valves are actuated. For manual
contract statement of work or a procurement specification.
operation, information is fed to displays. Separate systems
are located in the command module (CM) and the lunar ex-
SPECIMEN RETURN CONTAINER
cursion module (LEM). Basic components are:
As a part of the scientific instrumentation subsystem, this
(1) Attitude reference.
small container will be filled with lunar material. This
(2) Body rate gyro package.
container is sealed so that no material or bacteria can enter
(3) Control electronic assembly.
on the return flight.
(4) Manual controls.
(5) Displays.
SPECTROMETER
An instrument which measures some characteristics, such as
STAGE
intensity of electromagnetic radiation, as a function of wave-
The independent propulsive sections of a launch vehicle
length or frequency.
which are progressively jettisoned during or immediately
following the powered portions of flight.
SPECTRUM
See-dynamic test stage
Any series of energies arranged according to wavelength.
[light stage
See-electromagnetic spectrum
main stage

SPHERE
STAGE CALIBRATION EQUIPMENT
See-celestial sphere
Mobile cart-mounted equipment required for the calibraUon of
stage pressure switches, thermo switches, and pressure-
SPHYGMOMANOMETER
operated valves.
An instrument for measuring blood pressure in the arteries.
There are many formsof the instrument, each named for the
STAGE INTERFACE SIMULATOR
person who devised it.
Those elements of the vehicle integrated checkout system
that simulate the effects of the remainder of the vehicle on a
SPIDER
particular stage.
A piece of handling equipment which resembles a spider in
appearance. The legs or arms of the spider are attached to
STAGE LOOSE EQUIPMENT
the equipment to be handled, while the head of the spider,
Equipment in this category consists of such items as fire
which is usually a ring, is supported and maneuvered by
shrouds, engine skirts, etc.
hoisting equipment.

92
 STOCHASTIC VARIABLE

STAGE LOOSE EQUIPMENT HARDWARE STATIC FIRING

This hardware consists of suitable containers, covers, The firing of a rocket motor, rocket engine or an entire stage
cables, shoring, blocking shock mounts, and other miscel- in a hold-down position to measure thrust and accomplish
laneous handling equipments that are re_mred to protect the other tests.
space vehicle stage loose etuipment components and
assemblies during transportation. STATIC TESTING
The testing of a device in a stationary or held-down position
as a means of testing and measuring its dynamic reactions.
STAGE SUBSTITUTE
Those elements of the vehicle integrated checkout system STATION KEEPING REQUIREMENT
which take the place of a stage when the particular stage is
The requirement of a sate[ltte to remain in particular precise
not available for continued space vehicle checkout. It is a
orbit with a constant velocity.
functional substitute for a stage.

STATIONARY ORBIT

STAGED-IN-ORBIT SIO An orbit in which an equatorial satellite revolves about the

A boost trajectory similar to the restart except that the primary at the sm'ne angular rate as the primary rotates on its
axis. The satellite thus c_pears to be stationary over a
stage burnout and separation occur simultaneously with the
parking orbit condition. Continuation to other trajectories point on the primary.

would be accomplished by ignition of another stage.

STATIONARY POINT
Point where the value of a function is not changing with
STAGNATION AREA respect to any of the independent variables.

The area on a body acting in an airstream which is the divi-

STATIONARY SATELLITES
sion area for the lines of airflow on either side of the body.
The air is practically stationary in this are<L Satellites which mmntam a nearly constant relationship with
a fixed point on the Earth's surface.

STATISTICAL ACCEPTANCE TEST

STANDARD STD A procedure designed to determine, with a prescribed ac-
Documents that establish uniform engineering and technical curacy, whether a characteristic of a product is in conform-
criteria for items, materials, processes, methods, design, ity with acceptance criteria set forth for that product.
and engineering practices.
See-Geuemment standard STATISTICAL INFORMATION

indust_ standard An accumulation of numerical or qualitative data.

job training standard

STATISTICAL MEASURE

The representative or estimator of the value of a parameter

in a probability distribution.
STANDARD DEVIATION

A measure of the variability of a group in terms of the dis- STATISTICAL QUALITY CONTROL
persian of individual scores around the average or mean A procedure based in part on the central limit theorem and
score. the theory of probability. Statistical refers to a method of
making decisions from mathematical laws concerning process
control.

STANDARD PART
STATISTICS
A part which has multible use and is recognized by and
Accurate data maintained for control purposes.
acceptable to the user.

STANDARDIZATION

A process of establishing by agreement, engineering, cri-

teria,terms practices, item configuration and processes to STEERING
achieve the greatest practicable uniformity, assure the mini- See--let steering
mum variety of such items and practices, and to effect the
vector steering
optimum interchangeability of equipment parts and
componen ts. STL

Space Technology Laboratory.

STAR-GRAIN PROPELLANT
A solid propellant, its cross section shaped like a star. STOCHASTIC VARIABLE
Variable quantities with a definite range of values, each of
STARFISH which, when chosen at randon, can be attained with a def-
A rocket probe. inite probability.

93
$TOICHIOMETRIC

STOICHIOMETRIC prime, pnncipal or associate contractors, second tier is next

Of a combustible mixture, having the exact proportions re- level removed, etc.
quired for complete combustion.
SUBGRAVITY
STREAM A gravitational effect that is less than one G, e.g., less
See-exbaust stream than the normal measure of the Earth's gravity.
jet stream
solar radiation streams SUBSONIC
Speeds less than the speed of sound.
STRENGTH
See-ultimate strength SUBSTITUTE
yield strength See-limited substitute
yield strength load [actor stage substitute

STRESS SUBSTITUTE ITEM

See-allowable yield stress Items which possess such tunctmnal and physical charac-
combined stress teristics that permit their being exchanged within the limita-
component stress tions imposed by the application requirements.
nominal stress limits
SUBSYS
STRESSED LIMITS Subsystem.
The enviromnental limits to which the mew may be subjected
for limited periods of time such as launch, reentry, and SUBSYSTEM SUBSYS
landing. A major functional subassembly or grouping of items or
equipment which is essential to operational completeness of
a system.
STUB FINS
Short-span aerodynamic surfaces, used on some launch ve- SUDDEN IONOSPHERIC DISTURBANCE
hicles for control or stabilization purposes. A complex combination of sudden changes in the condition
of the ionosphere, and the effects of these changes.
STUDY
See-design study SUIT
exploratory studies See-anti-g suit
[easibility study G-suit
pressure suit
STUDY LAYOUT
Shows configurations, ideas, and methods suggested by SUNFLOWER
engineers, designers, etc., for an item. The layout is used A solar power system designed to develop 3 kilowatts of
for further study, stress and weight considerations, and power. Sunflower is being developed for use as a power
comparisions. source for satellites and space probes.

STUDY OF ENHANCED RADIATION BELT SERB SUNSPOT

Program to study the radiation belt created by high altitude A relaUvely dark area on the surface of the Sun, consisting
nuclear explosion. of a dark central umbra and a surrounding penumbra that is
intermediate in brightness between the umbra and the sur-
SUB-GROUP rounding photosphere.
One of a series of groups or observations obtained by sub-
dividing a larger group. SUNSPOT CYCLE
A periodic variation in the number and area of sunspots with
SUBASSEMBLY an average length of 11.1 years but varying between 7 and
A combination of parts comprising a definable entity of a 17 years.
component and performing a function essential to the proper
operation of that component. SUPERSONIC
See-inter gimbal subassembly Pertaining to speeds greater than the speed of sound.

SUBATOMIC PARTICLE SUPINE G

A component of an atom such as an electron, proton, meson, Eyeballs in. Acceleration experienced in the chest-to-back
etc. direction, expressed in units of gravity.

SUBCONTRACTOR SUPPLY DOWNTIME

Any contractor under contract to another contractor. These That Lime during which work is not done on a system be-
are usually qualified further as first tier, second tier, etc. cause of the unavailability ot a needed item from the usual
First tier subcontractors are those under contract to the supply.

94
 SYSTEM FAILURE RATE

SUPPORT COST SYNCHRONOUS SATELLITE

The cost of maintaining system equipment during its opera- An equatorial west-to-east satellite orbiting the Earth at an
tion_ life, including the total impact of all requirements altitude of 22,300 statute miles, making one revolution in
such as technical data, test equipment, spare parts, special 24 hours, and is synchronous with the Earth's rotation. ,
tools, maintenance equipment, maintenance facilities, man- See-advance syncom
power, training and training equipment.

SURFACE SYNERGIC CURVE

See-/unctional sur[ace A curve plotted for the ascent of a rocket or space vehicle
calculated to give the vehicle an optimum economy in fuel
SURFACE IONIZATION with an optimum velocity.
One method of producing ions by the impingement of a pro-
pellant on a hot and usually catalytic surface.
SYS
SURVEYOR System.
Lunar soft landing program, using Centaur launch vehicle.

SYSTEM SYS
SUSCEPTIBILITY Any combination of parts, assemblies and sets joined to-
See-tbresbold susceptibility gether to perform a specific operational function or
tunctlons.

SUSTAINER See-basic bole system

A part of the propulsion system of a vehicle which does not basic sba/t system
separate from the vehicle during its powered flight. The biopower system
term is usually applied to rocket propulsion systems when control system
used as the principal propulsion system to distingmsh them cooling system
from those used as auxiliary engines or boosters. Eartb landing system
ecological system
exhaust system
SUSTAINER ENGINE gas vortex system
An engine that maintains the velocity of a missile or rocket ground communications and tracking system
vehicle, once it has achieved its programed velocity through ground operational support system
use of a booster engine. guidance and control system
guidance and navigation system
SV horizontal pre-[ligbt cbecieout system
Space Vehicle. instrumentation system
launch escape propulsion system
SWEAT COOLING launch vebicle system
Method of controlling the excessive heating of a reentering limit dimensioning system
body. Surfaces subjected to excessive heating are made of liquid bydrogen ( LH-2) system complex
porous material through which hquid of high-heat capacity is liquid oxygen system (LOX) complex
forced. The evaporation of this coolant completes the manned space [light system
sweat-cooling process. mast connection system
measuring system
SWEEP multiple-mode guidance system
The moUon of the visible dot across the face of a cathode- pbysical-cbemical system
ray tube, as the result of scanning deflection of the electron purging system
beam. RP-I [uel system complex
space vehicle system
SWITCH GEAR telemetering system
The composite electrical equipment which is employed for unilateral tolerance system
the switching and protection of an electrical distribution vertical alignment system
system.

SXT SYSTEM CHANCE FAILURES

Sextant. Chance failures in the system which cause the system to
malfunction or to stop operating.
SYNCHRONOUS ORBIT
An orbit with a period of 24 sidereal hours (the same period
as that of Earth revolving about its axis). The satellite SYSTEM FAILURE RATE
rotational speed and the Earth's speed of rotation are in The rate at which a system fails to perform its intended
synchronism. function.

95
 SYSTEM INTEGRATION

SYSTEM INTEGRATION SYSTEMS MANAGER

The management process by which the systems of a project The third member of the Apollo flight crew. The system
are made compatible to achieve the purpose of the project. manager occupies the right-hand couch during all flight
phases, except portions of the lunar parking orbit. His "
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
primary responsibilities are to operate the in-flight test
The process of applying science and technoloqy to the study system, and monitor and maintain all systems other than
and planning of a system so that the relationships of various guidance and navigation. During critical mission phases,
parts of the system and the utilization of various subsys- he monitors certain critical parameters of the spacecraft and
tems are fully established before designs are committed. propulsion system.

96
 T
T-TIME TEAR DOWN INSPECTION
Any specific time, minus or plus, as referenced to zero, or An inspection in which a component, subassembly or as-
hmnch time. sembly is disassembled down to ,ts parts, so that each part
may be nondestructively inspected to determine if it is made
TABULATED DRAWING according to _ts applicable documentation, or to determine
Depicts similar items with differences in characteristics, the effect of environmental or other tests upon each part.
dimensions, material, finish, and other requirements. These
differences are tabulated on the drawing and the fixed TECHNICAL MANUAL TM
characteristics depicted once. A technical publication which contains information designed
to meet the needs of personnel engaged or being trained in
TAKEOFF MASS the safety, operation, maintenance, serv, ce, overhaul, in-
The mass of a rocket vehicle and its payload at the time of stallation and inspection of specific items of equipment and
takeoff. materials.

TAKEOFF WEIGHT TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

Weight of a rocket vehicle ready for takeoff, including the In the spacecraft, this system provides means of two-way
vehicle, fuel, and payload. voice communication among crew members, the command
module (CM), the lunar excursion module (LEM), and ground
TANGENTIAL ELLIPSE operational support system (GOSS). It also provides tele-
The transfer ellipse from Earth orbit to orbits of other meLry and television transmission from the CM or LEM to
planets, designed to use a minimum of fuel. Also known as GOSS, as well as receiving and retransmittal of tracking
a hohmann orbit. signals from GOSS.

TELEMETERING
TANK DESICCANT SYSTEM The technique of relaying instrument readings and intelli-
A system of dessicant canisters and hoses installed in the gence to remote indicating devices by means of radio or
stage propellant tanks during periods of shipment or storage radar signals.
to keep the tanks cleon and dry and to permit the tanks to
breathe. TELEMETERING SYSTEM
The complete measuring, transmitting, and receiving appara-
tus for remotely indicabng, recording, and integrating
TAPER information.
A difference in diameter, width or thickness per unit of
length, measured at right angles to the length. Generally ex- TELEMETRY
pressed as inches per foot, sometimes expressed as a ratio. The science of measuring quantities, transmitting the
measured value to a distant station, and there interpreting,
indicating or recording the quantities measured.
TASK
See--maintenance task TELESCOPE
mission tast_ See-radio telescope

TASK ANALYSIS TEMPERATURE PROFILE

An analyticalprocess employed todetermineon a time base, The variation in temperature throughout an object or region.
the detailed performance required of a man and machine, the
nature and extent of their interactions, and the effects of TERM
environmental conditions and malfunctions. Behavioral A word used to describe an item for the purpose of storing it
steps are isolated in terms of preceptions, decisions, or retrieving it from a storage and retrieval system.
memory storage, and motor outputs required, as well as the
errors which may be expected. The data is used to establish TERMINAL GUIDANCE
equipment design criteria, personnel and training require- Guidance required in the final phase of a rendezvous maneu-
ments, etc. ver of spacecraft.

TAVE TERMINAL VELOCITY

Thor-Agena Vibration Experiment (experimental payload The hypothetical maximum speed a body, under given condi-
launched with Alouette). tions of weight and thrust, could attain along a specified

97
 TERRELLA

straight flight path, if diving through an unlimited distance TEST FACILITIES

in air of uniform density. Devices and facilities which are used in the installation,
maintenance, operation and calibration of equipment.
TERRELLA
Self-contained manned spaceship in which crew life is main- TEST TO FAILURE
tained during space flight by a closed-cycle breathing The process of submitting an item to stress levels within
system. design limits until failure occurs. (Accelerated tests to fail-
ure results in subjecting an item to stress levels beyond
TERRESTRIAL design limits to induce early failure).
Pertaining to the F_c_th.
;rEST POINT
A convenient, safe access to a circuit or system so that a
TEST significant quantity can be measured or introduced to facili-
Examination, investigation, evaluation and documentation tate maintenance, repair, calibration, and aliqru'nent.
of inherent properties, functionability, environmental re- See-exposed test point
action, variances and reliability of any product, system, sub-
system, vehicle, equipment assembly, part, material, and TEST SPACECRAFT
process. A special spacecraft instrumented for conducting research
See-acceptance test and development testing.
acceptable environmental range test
battlesbip test TESTING
BOP test See-attributes testing
calibration test destructive testing
captive test development testing and evaluation
cold-flow test /ligbt testing
controlled test marginal testing
development test non-destructive testing
engineering test static testing
environmental test and service building
final test data TESTING TO DESTRUCTION
/light test The intentional operation of an equipment or portion thereof
/ull duration static test firing to ultimate failure. This type of test will often reveal de-
/unctional test sign weaknesses that would cause unreliability.
bolddown test
hot test THEODOLITE
individual operational test A sighting and measuring telescopic instrument that gives a
individual reliability test reading on horizontal or vertical angles.
inertial component test equipment
laboratory calibration test THERMAL
post-static test Pert_r, ing to heat or temperature.
prelauncb test
preproduction test THERMAL BARRIER
pre-static test Speed at which friction heat, generated by rapid passage of
predictive test an object through the atmosphere, exceeds endurance com-
proficiency test patible with the function of the object.
pyrotechnic test and weigbt and balance [acility
qualification test THERMAL LOAD
sampling reliability test Stresses imposed upon a missile structure because of expan-
screening test sion or contraction (or both) of certain structural elements
sequential test when exposed to a wide range of temperatures.
service test
sbalte-table test THERMIONIC
simulated/light test Operating by means of an electrically charged particle
type approval test emitted by an incandescent material.
vehicle calibration test
THERMODYNAMICS
The study of the relationships between heat and mechanical
TEST CONSOLE energy.
A grouping of test panels into one integrated rack or
console. THERMOSPHERE
The ionosphere considered as a region of temperature varia-
TEST DATA tion from minus twenty-ei_t degrees F to several thousand
Results of a test in the form of numbers, charts, tapes, etc. degrees F.

98
 TOTAL k_EAN DOWNTIME

THRESHOLD SUSCEPTIBILITY TIME

An undesirable response which ts barely recognizable from See-available time
the normal output. operating time
readiness time
ready time
THROAT real time
In rocket and jet engines, the most constricted section of an repair time
exhaust nozzle. shock-wave rise time
solar time
trouble-sbooting time
THRUST usable time
The pushing force developed by an aircraft engine or a warm-up time
rocket engine. Specifically, the product of propellant mass
flow rate and exhaust velocity relative to the vehicle. TIME CRITICAL EQUIPMENT
See-dual thrust Equipment with a finite life which if not monitored, could
leveled thrust result in a failure. Consideration shall be given to shelf
maximum tbrust life.
pound thrust
TIROS

Television Infrared Observation Satellite (meteorological

THRUST CHAMBER satellite).
The chamber of a jet or rocket motor in which volume is in-
creased through the combustion process to obtain high TM
velocity gases through the nozzle. Technical Manual.

TOL
THRUST COMMIT Tolerance.
The time, when all engines have been running for 3 seconds
and all other parmneters are normal, the start of the final TOLERANCE TOL
launch sequence. The total permissible variation of size, form, or location.
See-bilateral tolerance
environmental tolerance
THRUST DECAY [abrication tolerance
When a rocket motor burns out or is cut off, propulsive thrust maximum tolerance
does not fall to zero instantaneously, but progressively de- minimum tolerance
dines over some fraction of a second. unilateral tolerance system

TOPSIDE SOUNDER
THRUST GENERATOR Satellite project to measure electron density of ionosphere.
A device which produces motive power. In an electric pro-
pulsion system, it is composed of an electric power source TORR
and a device which expels a high velocity flow of the Suggested international standard term to replace the equiva-
propellant. lent English term "millimeter of mercury _ and its
al:2>reviation.

THRUST VECTOR CONTROL TOTAL DOWNTIME

Controlling the flight of a missile by controlling the direc- The number of hours that a system is not available for use,
tion of thrust. regardless of reason.
See-total mean doumtime

THRUST-TO-EARTH-WEIGHT RATIO TOTAL EMISSIVE POWER

Ratio of the thrust developed by the vehicle to the mass of Emissive power emitted over the whole spectrum of
the vehicle multiplied by Earth's gravity. wc_elen_h.

TOTAL EMITTANCE
THRUST-WEIGHT RATIO Emittance of the whole range of wavelengths.
A quantity used to evaluate engine performance and is ob-
tained from dividing the thrust output by the engine dry
weight. TOTAL MEAN DOWNTIME
The total mean active maintenance downtime, including both
corrective and preventive maintenance, in a time period of
TIDE interest divided by the total number of maintenance actions
See-solar atmospheric tide in that time period.
TOUCHDOWN

TOUCHDOWN TRANSLUNAR
The action or moment of landing a space vehicle, manned or This word is commonly used in referring to the phase of
unmanned, on the surface of a planet. flight from Earth orbit to lunar orbit. Most reference books
describe translunor as referring to space outside the Moon_
TOWER orbit about the Earth, as compared to cislunar referring to
See-arming tower space between the Earth and the Moon's orbit.
collimation tower
escape tower
iuory tower TRANSPONDER
launcher umbilical tower .A radioor radar system which istriggeredby a received
ordnance tower signal. Ittransmitsonly inresponse to a received signalof
umbilical tower the proper frequency. Itis used as an identification
device
and fordistancemeasurement.
TRACKING
The process of following the movement of a satellite or TRANSPORTATION BARGE
rocket by radar radio, and photographic observations. A modified vessel used to provide for river and sea trans-
See-skin tracking portation of large space vehicle stages.

TRAJ TRANSPORTATION HANDLING KIT

Trajectory. A kitwhich is stage orientedand consistsof allthe han-
dling hardware, except hoists and cranes,requiredto place a
TRAJECTORY TRAJ particularstage of the space vehicleon itstransporter.
In qeneral, the path traced by any body, as a rocket, moving
as a result of externally applied forces. TRANSPORTER
See-atmospheric trajectory Any vehicle used to support and effect movement of the
ballistic trajectory stages on land.
circumlunar trajectory See-crmoler transporter
escape trajectory launcher transporter
/rae-[ligbt traiectory
Keplerian trajectory TRANSPORTER PRIME MOVER
vacuum trajectory A tractor-type vehicle which is used to provide the means of
moving the trmisporter during land transportation modes.
TRANSDUCER
A device which converts energy from one form to another for TRANSPORTER/LAUNCHER
the purpose of detection and measurement of information. A trm_sportable launcher which supports an integral umbili-
Transducecs are often used as sensors. col tower and an erect space vehicle. It usually consists of
the tzansporter (crawler) unit and the launcher (platfon'n)
TRANSEARTH unit.
The phase of flight from lunar orbit to Earth orbit or reentry.
TRANSVERSE ACCELERATION
TRANSEARTH TRAJECTORY The inertial force produced by an acceleration acting across
Spoce(_aft trajectory from the Moon to the Earth. the body, perpendicular to the long axis of the body, as in a
chest-to-back direction.
TRANSFER ELLIPSE
Path followed by a body moving from one elliptical orbit to TROPOPAUSE
another. The upper limit or limits of the troposphere.

TRANSFER ORBIT TROPOSPHERE

In Interpl0metary travel, an elliptical trajectory tangent to The lower layer of the Earth's atmosphere, extending to
the orbits of both the departure planet and the target planet. about 60,000 feet at the equator and 30,000 feet at the poles.

TRANSITION FIT TROUBLE SHOOTING

One having limitsof size so prescribedthateithera Locating and diaqnosingmalfunctionsor breakdowns in the
clearance or an interference may result when parts are equipment by means of systematic checking or analysis.
assembled.
TROUBLE SHOOTING TIME
TRANSLATION The time required to determine or to isolate the cause of a
Motion in which all points of the moving body have, at any system malfunction. It does not include the time required to
instant, the same velocity and direction of motion. |_pince or to repair the units in which the fault occurred.

TRANSLATIONAL THRUST TWO-BURN BOOSTER

Thrust required to propel a missile or space vehicle from a Proposed configuration for the C-5 booster. The first two
given position to a different position. stages and part of the third will be used for orbital insertion.

100
 TYPE III DOCUMENTATION

Once in orbit, the third staqe will be relit to accomplish TYPE II DOCUMENTATION
lunar trajectory insertion, Documentation required for coordination, surveillance, and
information. .,
TYPE APPROVAL TEST
A determination of the su/tability of a pQrUcuJar model for
utilJz_ion m a specific assiqnment. TYPE III DOCUMENTATION
Defined as the documentation requiring preparation and re-
TYPE I DOCUMENTATION tention by the contractor, beinq made available to authorized
Documentation requirinq NASA approval. representatives of the NASA for review, upon request.

101
 U
ULLAGE UMBILICAL SERVICE ARM
The amount that a container lacks of being full. An arm whose function is the same as an umbilical arm or
"umbilical swing ann.
ULLAGE ROCKET
Small rockets used to impart forward thrust to the vehicle or UMBILICAL SWING ARM
stage to shift the propellant to the rear of the tanks prior to A metal ann which extends horizontally toward the space
firingthe main engines. vehicle from the umbilical. It supports the service lines
that link the space vehicle to the ground systems. The
ULTIMATE LOAD swing ann is partof the umbilical tower swing arm system
That load at which a failure-producing general collapse or and is supported by the tower and fastened to it by a hinged
instability buckling of the structure occurs. joint that contains a rotary hydraulic actuator (ROTAC).

ULTIMATE PRESSURE UMBILICAL TOWER'

The pressure at which the component material is stressed to A vertical structure supporting the electrical servicing and
produce complete rupture or bursting of the component. This fluid lines running to a rocket in launching position.
is also the pressure that produces instability buckling.
UNDIMENSIONED DRAWING
ULTIMATE SAFETY FACTOR Depicts, to scale, loft time information for templates,

The ratio of the ultimate strength of a structure to the load patterns, and printed circuits.
limit.
UNILATERAL TOLERANCE SYSTEM
ULTIMATE STRENGTH Allows variation in only one direction from the desiqn size.
The magnitude of the load or stress which will cause the
structure to fail, or the magnitude of the maximum load or UNIT
stress which the structure will carry. Anything considered as complete in itself but functioning as
a part of an assembly, subsystem, or system.
See--astronomical unit
ULTIMATE STRESS coupling display unit
The stress at which a material fractures or ruptures. instrument unit
sample unit

ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION UPPER-AIR OBSERVATION

Electromagnetic radiation shorter in wavelength than visible A measurement of atmospheric conditions above the effective
radiation but longer than X-rays. Roughly, radiation in the range of a surface weather observation. Also called sound-
wavelength interval between 10 and 4000 angstroms. ing, and upper air sounding.

USABLE TIME
UMBILICAL CONNECTIONS Time during which equipments are capable of doing useful
The electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic connections be- work..
tween the ground support equipment and the vehicle.
USEFUL LIFE
The total operating time between debugging and wearout.
UMBILICAL CORD
Any of the servicing electrical or fluid lines between the UTILIDOR
ground and an upright rocket missile or vehicle before the Utility corridor for protective housing of underground
launch. Often shortened to umbilical. conduits.

102
 V
VAB VEHICLE VEH
Vertical Assembly Building. Specifically, a structure, machine, or device (aircraft or
rocket) designed to carry a burden through air or space.
VACTL More restrictively, a rocket croft.
Vertical Assembly Component Test Laboratory. See-aerodynamic vehicle
aerospace vehicle
VACUUM development vehicle
See-bard vacuum injection vebicle
bigb vacuum launch vehicle
launch vehicle system
VACUUM TRAJECTORY lunar lrajectory injection vehicle
That portion of a missile's flight that takes place above a man rated space vehicle
chosen upper limit of the atmosphere. operational launch vehicle
operational space vehicle
VAN ALLEN BELTS reentry vehicle
Two doughnut-shaped belts of high energy charged particles space vehicle
trapped in the Earth's magnetic field. The minimum altitude space vehicle system
of the inner belt ranges from approximately 1(30 miles near
the magnetic poles to more than 1000 miles at the equator.
The maximum altitude of the outer belt extends to approxi- VEHICLE ACCEPTANCE TEST
mately 40,000 miles at the equator. System and subsystem test to insure vehicle specification
compliance, before vehicle is accepted for flightuse.
VAPORIZATION RATE
The unit mass of a solid or liquid that is changed to a vapor
or gas in a unit of time. VEHICLE CALIBRATION TEST
Tests to determine if the anbo_d vehicle measuring device
VAPORIZER or component is within specifications.
A piece of equipment which is used to convert liquid hyper-
golic fluids such as Lax and LH-2 into gaseous hypergolic
fluids to effect pressurization of the ground Lax and LH-2 VEHICLE HORIZONTAL CHECKOUT
storage tanks. The vaporizer is essentially a radiator-type- Systems test performed with the vehicle in the horizontal
heat exchanger and forms a polt of the LaX system complex position.
and LH-2 system complex respectively.

VEHICLE STAGE
VARIABLE GEOMETRY INLET The documented stage, including those parts installed by
An en_ne inlet which can be varied as to shape or area to vehicle documentation plus any portion of an interstage,
provide for maxLmum efficiency through a range of airspeeds. spacer, or vehicle instrumentation unit, which remains at-
tached to the documented stage for any period of time after
separation.
VECTOR CONTROL
Control affecting direction, and magnitude of the direction, VEHICLE VERTICAL CHECKOUT

of the motor. Systems test performed with the vehicle in the vertical
See-thrust vector control position.

VELOCITY
VECTOR STEERING Rate of motion in a given direction.

A steering method where one or more thrust chambers are See-acoustic velocity
qimbaf-mounted so that the direction of the thrust force burnout uelocity
(thrust vector) may be tilted in relation to the center of circular velocity

gravity of the missile to produce turning. escape velocity

exhaust velocity
orin"tal velocity
VEH radial velocity

Verde. terminal velocity

103
VENDOR

VENDOR VESTIBULAR MECHANISMS

An individual or concern from which a contractoror subcon- The processes of the inner ear.
tractorpurchases e_luipmentor serviceswhich usuallydo
not require research and development effort. VIBRATION
See--acoustic vibration
VERNIER ENGINE
A rocket engine of small thrust used primarily to obtain a VICINITY PLAN DRAWING
fine adjustment in the velocity and trajectory of a ballistic Delineates the relationship of a site to features of the sur-
missile or space vehicle just after the thrust cutoff of the roundinq area, such as towns, bodies of water, railroads,
last propulsion engine. Used secondarily to add thrust to a hiqhways, etc.
booster or sustainer engine. Also called vernier rocket.
VIS
VERNIER ROCKETS Visual Instrumentation Subsystem (camera payload for lunar
Small rockets on a spacecraft, fired on command or anto- photography).
matictzUy, to correct spacecraft spin, attitude, direction, or
orbit. VISIBLE RADIATION
Electromagnetic radiation lying within the wavelength inter-
VERTICAL ALIGNMENT SYSTEM val to which the human eye is sensitive. This portion of the
An optical equipment system which is used to align the electromagnetic spectrum is bound by ultraviolet and infra-
space vehicle with the launcher or launcher platform so that red radiation.
it is properly oriented in the launch position.
VISUAL ACUITY
VERTICAL ASSEMBLY BUILDING VAB A more concentrated form of visibility. It is the resolving
An enclosed structure to be used for the vertical assembly ability of the eye to discern fine details.
and checkout of space vehicles and their components.
VORTEX
See--gas vortex system
VERTICAL CHECKOUT
System or subsystem tests performed with the vehicle in the VOYAGER
vertical position. Mars and Venus space probe program (follow-on to Mariner).
See-uebicle uertical checkout
VPLCC
Vehicle Propellant Loading Control Center.
VERTICAL LAUNCH
A launch in which the missile, or vehicle, starts from a VTF
vertical position. Vertical Test Fixture.

104
 W
WADD WEIGHTLESSNESS
Wright Air Development Division (USAF'). Absence of any apparent gravitational pull on an object.

WAIVER WESTERN OPERATIONS OFFICE WOO

Any relaxation of existing requirements. NASA's Western Operations Office at Santa Monica, Cali-
fornia, serves all operational interests of the agency as a
WALLOPS STATION headquarters branch in the western region of the United
Provides a launch, tracking and data acquisition capability States. "Ihe office, reporting to the Headquarters Office of
for small launch vehicles and many of the sounding rockets Administration, has as it primary mission contract negotia-
used in NASA's program. Serves as an experimental station tion and management of research and development contracts
in support of advanced aerodynamic research programs, and with the aeronautical and space industry in its territory.
provides for flight tests on instrumentation. The site is
located on a small island off the east coast of Virginia, WET EMPLACEMENT
about ten miles from Chincoteaque. A launch emplacement that provides a deluge of water for
cooling the flame bucket, missile engines, and other equip-
WARM-UP TIME ment during the launch of a missile.
Time measured from the application of power to an operable
system to the instant when the system is capable of func-
tioning in its intended fashion. WHITE NOISE
Noise which contains the whole spectrum of frequencies
WARNING STREAMERS (or tones). Similar to white light which contains the spec-
Protective covers removed before flight, for space vehicle trum of colors.
protuberances and apertures which must be protected during
ground operations.
WHITE ROOM
WATER TORUS A clean room designed to be inherently free of dust and
A water spray ring with V-jet and fog nozzles. It is some- other contaminants.
times referred to as an emergency water fire-fighting system
and is located on the launcher in an area where water can be
directed at the first stage engines. WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE WSMR
Located at White Sands, New Mexico, this site is used for
WAVELENGTH evaluating the stability and operational characteristics of
Distance measured along line of propagation between two the launch escape system (LES).
points which are in phase on adjacent waves.

WEAROUT FAILURES WIND TUNNEL

Failures caused by the normal aginq process. They can be A device, for aerodynamic tests, through which a stream of
forestalled by preventive maintenance. velocity controlled air is drawn.

WEIGHT WT
Gravitational force on a mass. WINDOW
See-actual weight See-launch window
dry weight reentry window
empty weight
takeo[[ weight WIRING DEVICES
The accessory parts and materials which are used in the
WEIGHT AND BALANCE KIT installation of wiring, such as terminals, connectors, junc-
Equipment used to weigh a complete, assembled dry stage of tion boxes, conduit, clamps, insulation, and supports.
a space vehicle to determine its longitudinal center of grav-
ity. This equipment is also known as mass-properties WOO
determination equipment. Western Operations Office.

WEIGHT FLOW RATE WORD DESCRIPTION DRAWING

The flow rate of a liquid propellant expressed in pounds per An item that can be completely described without any de-
second. lineation, whenever misinterpretation cannot occur.

105
 WORKING
LAYOUT
WORKING
LAYOUT WRIGHT AIR DEVELOPMENT DIVISION WADD
Fully released layouts containing all the necessary informa- A center located at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, conducting
tion for the manufacturer and assembly of the parts de- research, development, test, and evaluation in aerodynamics,
scribed on the layout. Working layouts are used primarily human factors, materials, electronics equipment, and aero-
for relatively small, singular designs of apparatus mockups space sciences.
employing simple details.
WSMR
White Sands Missile Range.
WORKING PRESSURE
The maximum pressure to which the component is subjected WT
under steady state conditions. Weight.

106
 X
X-RAY X-20A PROGRAM
Electromagnetic radiation of very short wavelength, lying An Air Force-NASA program employing a manned hypersonic
within the wavelenqth interval of 0.1 to 100 angstroms (be- glider launched into orbit by a Titan HI booster. The pri-
tween gamma rays and ultrav/olet radiation). Also called mary mission is to test the feasibility of orbital glider
X-radiation, and roentgen ray. systems.
mXoradiation," "roentgen ray."

X-15 PROGRAM
A joint NASA-Air Force-Navy program of hypersonic and
very high altitude flight research utilizing a rocket powered
research aircraft designated as X-1.

107
Y
YAW YIELD STRENGTH
Lateral rotational or oscillatory movement of a vehic]e about The magnitude of the load or stress which must be applied
its vertical axis. The amount of movement is measured in to the structure in order to cause a permanent deformation of
degrees. a specified amount.

YIELD LOAD
That load which must be applied to the structure in order to YIELD STRENGTH LOAD FACTOR
cause a permanent deformation of a specified amount. The load factor which will cause the yield strength to be
reached.
YIELD SAFETY FACTOR
The ratio of the yield strength of a structure to the limit
load.

108
 Z
ZERO FAILURE CRITERIA ZERO GRAVITY EFFECT
For qualification tests, this term relates to the ground rule The change in the behavior of a substance or system intro-
of assuming that no failures will occur during the quaJifica- duced into an environment free of gravitational force.
Lion program.
ZONE
ZERO GRAVITY See-anacoustic zone
Weightlessness. byperacoustic zone

109
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