retrorocket meaning

Noun: retrorocket  'retrow`rókit

1. A small rocket engine on a larger rocket or spacecraft that is fired to slow or alter its course

Derived forms: retrorockets

Type of: rocket, rocket engine

Encyclopedia: Retrorocket

Examples

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1. each craft had to hit the atmosphere right, deploy its parachute, turn on retrorockets and inflate airbags just before touchdown
2. Because of weight constraints, there was no backup retrorocket engine.
3. At 6 minutes 54 seconds after launch, retrorockets were fired.
4. Retrorockets on the side of the car slowed the vehicle.
5. SA-3 also featured the first use of retrorockets on Apollo hardware.