The struggle to maintain assured space launch capability without the Russian-built RD-180 engine, which powers United Launch Alliance rockets, is more complicated than just developing an American-made engine, said Gen. John Hyten, commander of Air Force Space Command. Although the request for proposals for a new engine should be issued next month, his command is not just looking for “engine solutions, but engines and rockets with a partnership with industry,” Hyten told defense reporters on Tuesday. Legislation passed by Congress last year after Russia invaded Crimea not only ordered the Air Force to stop using the RD-180, it required “fair and open competition” to obtain a US-built engine by 2019, and to have at least two qualified providers for national security space launches, Hyten explained. Developing and certifying a new US-made engine by 2019 “is challenging.” But it would take two years more to integrate it into a rocket and certify it for launch, said Hyten. “I’m not going to put a billion dollar satellite on top of a rocket that I’ve never flown before.” In addition, USAF would have to execute a contract with two launch providers that ensures the higher bidder gets some of the launches and that a provider could survive if a failure forced a prolonged disruption in launches, he said.
Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, head of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, warned that Russia would remain an enduring threat to NATO and global security, regardless of the outcome of the war in Ukraine.