NASA responded to the threat of termination of deliveries of Russian engines
The Director of NASA, Jim Breidenstein in the conversation of C-SPAN explained the possible termination of deliveries of Russian RD-180 engines in the United States.
before Senator Sergei Ryabukhin said that the Russian Federation may limit the supply of rocket engines that are used by the firm United Launch Alliance first stage booster Atlas V. So He explained the possible answer of the capital of Russia on U.S. plans to impose penalties for " things Skrypalia ".
According to Bridenstine, USA are working diligently to eliminate the dependence on Russian engines.
The Director of the Agency said the special role of interaction between Russia and the USA on space. He noticed that the dialogue between the two countries in this area continues, despite the overall deterioration of relations.
Breidenstein, called such a situation a unique opportunity for NASA and expressed hope for the preservation of partnership relations with Russia.
in addition, He confirmed his impending meeting with the head of Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin. The supply of RD-180 in USA
Moscow and Washington signed an agreement to supply 101 RD-180 engine on almost billion dollars in 1997. Allegedly two years Earlier, the us Congress imposed a ban on their use After 2019, but then postponed it until 2022. Then the cartel ULA at the request of the Pentagon has ordered the NGO "Energomash" engines for more.
at the end of July "Energomash" told that he has finished the contract for production and delivery of six RD-180 in 2020. NASA and the U.S. air force, these engines need for astronauts in space.
currently in the United States, the launches of NASA missions and commercial satellites are 3 private organizations: ULA, SpaceX and Orbital ATK, a fleet of which are PH Atlas V, Delta IV and Delta Heavy, Antares, and Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy.