Retrorocket: meaning, definitions and examples
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retrorocket
[ˈrɛtrəʊˌrɒkɪt ]
Definition
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term combines 'retro,' meaning to move backwards, and 'rocket,' indicating a spacecraft propulsion system.
- Etymological roots trace back to the Latin word 'retro,' which emphasizes backward motion.
Science
- Retrorockets are crucial for spacecraft during descent phases, helping them slow down before landing.
- They operate based on Newton's third law: for every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction, allowing controlled descent.
History
- The concept of retrorockets was first utilized during the 1960s space race to aid lunar landers in controlled descents to the Moon's surface.
- NASA's Apollo missions used retrorockets to safely land astronauts on the Moon, demonstrating their importance in space exploration.
Pop Culture
- Retrorockets often appear in science fiction films and TV shows, depicted as a key technology for space travel.
- Many retro video games feature pixelated rockets that evoke nostalgic feelings, connecting them to the idea of retro technology.
Engineering
- Designing effective retrorockets involves complex engineering to ensure they can withstand extreme conditions of space travel.
- Innovations in materials science have led to lightweight but durable retrorocket designs, improving spacecraft efficiency.
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