Glossary

AOS

Acquisition of signal

ASCS

Automatic Stabilization and Control System

BECO

Booster Engine Cut-Off

BEF

Blunt end forward

CET

Capsule Elapsed Time

Drogue

Drogue parachute

A parachute fired before the main parachute, to gain control of the spacecraft after re-entry, providing stability and slowing descent.

GET

Ground Elapsed Time

IOS

Indian Ocean Ship

LOS

Loss of signal (or line or sight)

MAX Q

Maximum dynamic pressure

The point at which aerodynamic stress on a spacecraft in atmospheric flight is maximized.

MCC

Mercury Control Center

RCS

Reaction control system

RSCS

Rate Stabilization and Control System

SECO

Sustainer Engine Cut-Off

SEF

Sharp end forward

T/M

Telemetry

ΔV

Delta V (change in velocity)