retrorocket
Sign in to saveright|thumb|Descent of a Martian lander halted by retrorockets (computer-generated impression) thumb|Soyuz (spacecraft)|Soyuz space capsule retro-rockets cushion the landing impact A retrorocket (short for retrograde rocket) is a rocket engine providing thrust opposing the motion of a vehicle, thereby causing it to decelerate. They have mostly been used in spacecraft, with more limited use in short-runway aircraft landing. New uses are emerging since 2010 for retro-thrust rockets in reusable launch systems.
~6 min read
Article
12 sectionsContents
- History
- Uses
- Deorbit maneuvers
- Project Mercury
- Project Gemini
- Apollo program
- Space Shuttle program
- Launch vehicle staging
- Landers
- Reusable launch systems
- Operation Credible Sport
- References
right|thumb|Descent of a Martian lander halted by retrorockets (computer-generated impression) thumb|Soyuz (spacecraft)|Soyuz space capsule retro-rockets cushion the landing impact A retrorocket (short for retrograde rocket) is a rocket engine providing thrust opposing the motion of a vehicle, thereby causing it to decelerate. They have mostly been used in spacecraft, with more limited use in short-runway aircraft landing. New uses are emerging since 2010 for retro-thrust rockets in reusable launch systems.
==History== Rockets were fitted to the nose of some models of the DFS 230, a World War II German Military glider. This enabled the aircraft to land in more confined areas than would otherwise be possible during an airborne assault.