Gimbaling refers to the mechanical pivoting of a rocket engine's exhaust nozzle or the entire engine bell to direct the thrust vector. By tilting the engine slightly off the vehicle's centerline, the flight control system generates torque to pitch, yaw, or roll the rocket. This active steering method is essential for keeping a launch vehicle balanced and on its precise trajectory as it pushes through the atmosphere.
Heard on the job
The telemetry shows the center engine had to gimbal a full five degrees to fight that upper-level wind shear.