April 9, 2016, 10:41 | space | military | rocket | RD-180 | USA
The US military needs in the procurement of 18 rocket engines produced in Russia. For six years, the US Defense Ministry planned satellite launch using the RD-180.
According to him, the US Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Wark need to have at least two “affordable and reliable way to get into space».
The DATA LOGGER Reuters Wark stressed that the use of RD-180 is necessary only for the development of domestic counterparts. “We just do not understand how we can get a new engine in less than six years, – he said. – Therefore, we firmly believe that in the transitional period we need a rocket engine RD-180. Not more than 18, but this is our position. »
Earlier, the US Air Force Minister Deborah James said that the Pentagon is making every effort to promptly discontinue use of the RD-180. However, according to her, refuse to use Russian engines is much more difficult than it seems. James recommended to have a reserve of 18 RD-180 as long as be able to test and commission similar in characteristics of the American engine.
The US Congress banned the use of RD-180 for military purposes since 2019. The decision was taken in 2014 after the Crimea became part of Russia.
The United States has already signed contracts with the Aerojet Rocketdyne and United Launch Services to create to replace the Russian rocket engine.
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