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Breaking: Congress bans use of Russian rocket engine

Discussion in 'SpaceX' started by Grendal, Dec 13, 2014.

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  1. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

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    Congress OKs bill banning purchases of Russian-made rocket engines - LA Times

    "Despite lobbying from a joint venture of Boeing Co. and Lockheed Martin Corp., the Senate voted 89-11 to approve a bill Friday that would ban the Pentagon from awarding future rocket launch contracts to firms using Russian engines."

    That is a big deal. No more RD-180's for ULA. I believe they bought a bunch on the off chance that this would happen. I believe this would supercede the lawsuit and make it unnecessary.

    "The measure has already passed the House and is now headed for the expected signature of President Obama."
     
  2. Lump

    Lump Active Member

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    It's about time!
     
  3. VolkerP

    VolkerP EU Model S P-37

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    "but... can we use up the ones we already bought? Please?"
     
  4. Doug_G

    Doug_G Lead Moderator

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    They banned the purchase, not using them.
     
    • Informative x 1
  5. Cosmacelf

    Cosmacelf Well-Known Member

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    The devil is in the details, no doubt, but nice to see Congress passing a bipartisan bill that actually makes sense.
     
  6. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

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  7. JRod0802

    JRod0802 Member

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    Thanks for the article Grendal. For those that didn't read it, here are some sections relevant to what's being discussed here:

     
  8. Jaff

    Jaff Active Member

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    Ratz...I wanted one of those for ma Roadster...
     
  9. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

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    Here is an update. ULA has quite a few of the engines saved up for military launches. FYI, there is no ban on ULA purchasing the RD-180 for commercial launches. I fully expect ULA to have as many as needed until Vulcan is up and launching.
    Russia Maintains High Quality of RD-180 Rocket Engines - ULA
     

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