ARES - Advanced Rover Engineering and Science Tool. The software scientists and engineers will use to "drive" the rovers.
ATLO - Assembly, Test and Launch Operations
Breadboard - The preliminary assembly of an instrument or system. The process continues with brassboard prototype, engineering model, and then flight model.
CCD - charge coupled device. A type of solid-state detector used in cameras.
CCT - Compositional Calibration Target.
CDR - Critical Design Review
Co-I - Co-Investigator
Delta II - Launch vehicle that will be used for the MER Project.
DSN - Deep Space Network
DTE - Direct to Earth communication between rovers and earth without orbiter relay.
ECR - Engineering Change Request
EDL - Entry, Descent and Landing
EM - Engineering Model. Precursor to flight model.
ESA - European Space Agency
Fairing - A shell located at the top of a launch vehicle that contains the payload or spacecraft.
Gravity Assist - The maneuver a spacecraft uses to increase velocity without using fuel. It flies by a planet and uses the influence of that planet's gravity to get a slingshot-type burst of speed.
GRS - Gamma Ray Spectrometer. Science instrument on Mars Odyssey Orbiter.
Hematite - A type of iron oxide mineral that usually, but not always, forms in association with liquid water.
HGA - High Gain Antenna
Hydrothermal - "Hydro" for water and "thermal" for heat. Hydrothermal systems on Earth support life today. A hydrothermal deposit could contain signs of ancient microbial life.
IDD - Instrument Deployment Device (the arm of the rover).
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Olivine - A shiny, green mineral found in many igneous rocks that have a high iron and magnesium content. In the presence of liquid water, olivine often alters to form other minerals (such as goethite, maghemite and hematite)
