Retrorocket: meaning, definitions and examples
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retrorocket
[ ˈrɛtrəʊˌrɒkɪt ]
rocketry machinery
A retrorocket is a type of rocket engine or rocket motor that is designed to fire in the opposite direction of an object’s travel. It is used primarily for slowing down a spacecraft, allowing it to descend or change course. This technology is vital for maneuvers during space missions, such as landing or re-entering the atmosphere. Retrorockets have been employed in various spacecraft, including the Apollo missions, to facilitate controlled landings on celestial bodies.
Synonyms
decelerator, thrust reverser
Examples of usage
- The retrorocket fired to slow the descent of the lander.
- Astronauts monitored the retrorocket's performance during the return trip.
- They employed retrorockets for a safe landing on the moon.
- The spacecraft's retrorocket was tested extensively before the mission.
Translations
Translations of the word "retrorocket" in other languages:
🇵🇹 foguete retró
🇮🇳 पुनः रॉकेट
🇩🇪 Rückstrahlrakete
🇮🇩 roket retro
🇺🇦 ретрорocket
🇵🇱 rakieta retrorocket
🇯🇵 レトロロケット
🇫🇷 roquette rétro
🇪🇸 cohete retrógrado
🇹🇷 geriye doğru roket
🇰🇷 레트로 로켓
🇸🇦 صاروخ رجعي
🇨🇿 retroraket
🇸🇰 retroraket
🇨🇳 逆火箭
🇸🇮 retroraket
🇮🇸 afturhreyfirokett
🇰🇿 кері ракетасы
🇬🇪 რეტრო რაკეტა
🇦🇿 geri raket
🇲🇽 cohete retrógrado
Etymology
The term 'retrorocket' is derived from the prefix 'retro-', which means 'backward', and 'rocket', indicating its function to propel backward or slow down an object. The concept of retrorockets can be traced back to the early days of rocketry and space exploration, particularly during World War II when scientists were exploring various propulsion methods. One of the first practical uses of retrorockets occurred in the 1950s, during the development of the U.S. space program. They became essential elements in missions aimed at landing on the Moon or returning spacecraft safely to Earth, as seen in Apollo 11. The continued evolution of technology has expanded their usage beyond traditional rockets into other areas like aviation and automotive applications, where similar principles of retro propulsion are utilized.