retrofire

American  

[re-troh-fahy^uhr] / ˈrɛ troʊˌfaɪər /

verb (used with object)

retrofired, retrofiring

1. to ignite (a retrorocket).

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verb (used without object)

retrofired, retrofiring

1. (of a retrorocket) to become ignited.

retrofire British  

/ ˈrɛtrəʊˌfaɪə /

noun

1. the act of firing a retrorocket

2. the moment at which it is fired

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Etymology

Origin of retrofire

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65; retro- + fire

Example Sentences

But Kraft always suspected that Carpenter had gotten distracted by his in-flight experiments and gone a little moony over being in space in the first place and simply missed the retrofire call.

From Time • Oct. 11, 2013

Cooper skillfully steadied his craft by a manual control stick with his right hand, prepared to punch the retrofire button with his left.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the simulation and training building, an astronaut can climb inside a spacecraft and practice all the functions of a mission, from launch to retrofire.

From Time Magazine Archive

Its four blinking consoles are managed by specialists in space dynamics; they report on booster systems, retrofire, flight dynamics and guidance�respectively known in the control room's jargon as "Booster," "Retro," "Fido" and "Guide."

From Time Magazine Archive

Fourteen minutes after retrofire, Glenns voice suddenly reappeared, sounding shockingly calm for a man who just minutes before was preparing himself to die in a flying funeral pyre.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly