Explain the term "yaw" in rocketry.

Yaw in rocketry pertains to the rotation of the rocket around its vertical axis, which significantly impacts its directional control. When a rocket yaws, it rotates in a horizontal plane, allowing for adjustments to the course or heading without changing its altitude. This capability is crucial for trajectory correction and navigation during flight.

Understanding yaw is essential for ensuring that rockets can be directed towards desired targets or paths, especially in the presence of wind or other environmental factors that might affect stability. This contrasts with other types of rotational movements, such as pitch, which involves rotation around the lateral axis (affecting altitude), and roll, which is rotation around the longitudinal axis.