The US government approved the purchase of Russian RD-181M Russian missile engines-Roscosmos

The US government approved the purchase of Russian RD-181M Russian missile engines. This was announced by the head of the press service of Roscosmos Vladimir Ustimenko.

“The US government approved the conclusion of a contract between NGOs“ Energomash ”and the American company“ Orbital Saeensiz LLS ”. So, there will be new supply of engines, ”said Ustimenko.

The day before, the state corporation reported that the new RD-181M engine is a modernized version of the RD-181. The Roscosmos emphasized that negotiations between Russia and the United States on the conclusion of the contract will continue to mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in the field of rocket engine, despite sanctions.

Earlier on the official portal of legal information, the government order was published on the approval of negotiations between the NPO Energomash and the American company Saiansiz LLS. According to the document, the conclusion of the contract is possible in the event of resolving the Roscosmos and the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation issues related to the use of the results of intellectual activity, the development of measures agreed with the American company to protect Russian technologies. In addition, to conclude a contract, guarantees from the American side were needed, according to which launch vehicles with Russian engines will not be used to launch the useful loads of military purposes.

Last year, it was reported that Energomash plans to transfer at least ten RD-180/RD-181 rocket engines to the United States in 2021. These engines are used by the United Launch Alliance in the ATLAS-5 carrier rocket. Another American company-Orbital ATK-RD-181 engines are supplied. They are used in Antares missiles, with which Cygnus cargo ships are sent to the International Space Station.

In recent years, the US Congress has repeatedly called on the US Air Force to abandon their use. However, according to the recognition of congressmen, Russian missile engines are unlikely to be replaced until 2024.