vernier engine
noun
A thruster on a spacecraft.The vehicle is slightly unstable on the way up, but we have plenty of control authority from the vernier engines....
- Flight control was achieved by vernier engines located on the strapon boosters and the core sustainer.
- Small, single flap skirt armor connected directly to the upper legs, vernier engines stored inside being the only reason the armor had been placed there.
Origin
1950s: named after P. Vernier (see vernier).