a small rocket engine on a larger rocket or spacecraft that is fired to slow or alter its course
retrorocket
How to use retrorocket in a sentence. Example sentences and definitions for retrorocket.
Editorial note
It looks like it's a comet with a tail... or is that a retrorocket?
Quick take
a small rocket engine on a larger rocket or spacecraft that is fired to slow or alter its course
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of retrorocket gathered in one view.
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for retrorocket.
noun
a small rocket engine on a larger rocket or spacecraft that is fired to slow or alter its course
Example sentences
It looks like it's a comet with a tail... or is that a retrorocket?
Doesn't count if it's a retrorocket helping slow down some capsule that also has a parachute.
The near-instant deceleration would feel rougly the same, regardless of whether it was caused by retrorocket or earth, wouldn't it?
Interestingly enough, they are fixing the problem with an add-on retrorocket/parachute combo instead of fixing the built-in brakes.
But the Spirit and Opportunity EDL also involved retrorockets in addition to a heatshield, a drogue chute, a parachute and the airbags - it's just that the retrorocket part didn't have to be as precise as with Curiosity.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use retrorocket in a sentence?
It looks like it's a comet with a tail... or is that a retrorocket?
What does retrorocket mean?
a small rocket engine on a larger rocket or spacecraft that is fired to slow or alter its course
What part of speech is retrorocket?
retrorocket is commonly used as noun.