International Space Station Terms

by FamilyEducation Staff

Don't be lost in space when your kids ask you, "Hey Mom, what does...ISS stand for?" Check out the FEN Space Station Acronym Buster!
Source: NASA

• AERCAM SPRINT: the free-flying TV camera about the size of a soccer ball housing two cameras and used to inspect the exterior of ISS.

• Destiny: the name of the U.S. lab; named in honor of its prominent role in the world's largest science and technology effort.

• EMU: extravehicular mobility/maneuvering unit; name,acronym given to the enhanced space suit worn by the astronauts-- it's adjustable; easily stored and cleaned; good for 25 space walks;has replaceable parts, fingertip heaters -- "one size fits all".

• ISS: International Space Station -- a "city in space" or sometimes referred to as "windows on the universe;" a space lab that will offer vantage points to increase our understanding of space and solar environment and how it will effect the future of our planet; humans will be directly involved.

• Jetpack Life Jacket: if an astronaut accidentally becomes untethered from the base this foldaway device will rein him back in.

• Skylab: name of earlier orbiting space station (1973). Pilot Bill Pogue of Skylab has worked on electrical systems for the present ISS.

• Super Guppy: name of the extra large cargo plane used to haul elements to the launch site.

• Unity: the first US segment activated to connect electrical and data cables

• Zarya: US funded but Russian built and launched control module; means "sunrise".

• 2004: year of expected completion of ISS. By then 460 tons of equipment will have been placed in orbit.

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