retrofire

The output included a constantly updated time for retrofire, the moment when the capsules rockets had to be fired in order to initiate its descent back to Earth.

The propulsion experts at NASA’s laboratory in Cleveland took the lead on the craft’s electrical system and the retrofire rockets built into the craft itself.

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.

Before we could retrofire, however, we had a long checklist to wade through.

Finally the moment arrived, and a voice from below counted us down: 5-4-3-2-1- RETROFIRE!