The United States’ license for producing the RD-180 first stage rocket engine domestically lasts through 2022 and the engine would need technical work before the United States is capable of manufacturing the engine state-side, according to a key Defense Department official. Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (AT&L) Frank Kendall testified Wednesday the 45-day study of DoD options regarding the RD-180 concluded. Kendall told the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) the Pentagon has a pair of options:…
