We are creating the world's most trusted encyclopedia and knowledge base. Once you join us and log in, you'll be able to edit this page instantly!

From Citizendium, the Citizens' Compendium

A retrorocket is a rocket engine that is fired to slow the vehicle on which it is mounted. Applications include causing an orbital or suborbital vehicle to reenter the atmosphere, or, especially in the absence of atmosphere, braking a space vehicle to a "soft" landing.