retrofire
/ˈrɛtroʊˌfaɪər/
verb
- To ignite a rocket engine in order to slow down a spacecraft or change its direction.
- The astronauts prepared to retrofire the engines for re-entry into the atmosphere.
- If the capsule drifts off course, the pilot can retrofire the rockets to correct it.
- Mission control decided to retrofire the thrusters to adjust the satellite's orbit.
noun
- The act or process of igniting a rocket engine to slow or redirect a spacecraft.
- The retrofire lasted exactly ten seconds, slowing the probe enough for landing.
- Engineers monitored the retrofire closely to ensure a safe descent.
- A successful retrofire is critical for the spacecraft to enter the correct trajectory.