Air Force and Defense Department space officials agreed the United States ought to consider pursuing a domestic next-generation engine program to replace the Russian-made RD-180, though they’d need to tackle some tough funding and industrial base concerns. During a House Armed Services strategic forces subcommittee hearing Thursday afternoon, chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) asked the panel of witnesses if it made sense to develop “a competitively acquired, next-generation engine available to all U.S. suppliers to replace RD-180.” Gen. William Shelton, commander…
