In order to get a steeper angle, the retrofire could have either been pointed slightly further away from Earth (the nose of the capsule pointed more towards Earth), or it could have been for too long of a time.

What I'd be interested in knowing is whether or not the length of firing is pre-set (as in a solid fuel motor) or if it can be set in flight, either on board, via ground station, or both.

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I am Mugs, of the Alien clan of Usa, Nordamerica, a Terran, of Sol. A human.

Whoever says "perception is reality" is daft. It's merely an abstraction, and often not a very good one.