United Launch Alliance announced Monday it has signed contracts with multiple U.S. companies to mature next-generation rocket engine concepts that officials say could replace the Atlas 5 boosters Russian-built RD-180 engine by 2019. The commercial contracts between ULA and prospective U.S. engine builders cover technical feasibility analyses, high-fidelity planning, schedule, cost and technical risk assessments, and cost estimates, ULA said in a statement released Monday. The announcement comes after a chorus of lawmakers and experts urged the U.S. launch industry to wean itself off of foreign propulsion systems in the wake of provocations from Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin. ULA did not identify which companies will undertake the engine studies. Jessica Rye, a ULA spokesperson, also declined to say how many companies signed the contracts with the launch provider. The contracts are for early-stage studies of a hydrocarbon-fueled engine optimized for first stage propulsion with aggressive recurring cost targets, according to ULA. All the engine concepts will support a first launch by 2019, and ULA expects to select a future concept and engine supplier by the fourth quarter of this year, the company said. ULA will evaluate the feasibility of the new engine concepts for both private investment and the potential for government-industry investment. ULAs Atlas 5 and Delta 4 rockets launch the U.S. governments most critical and costly national security satellites, plus many of NASAs robotic science missions and interplanetary probes. The kerosene-fueled RD-180 engine used on the first stage of ULAs Atlas 5 rocket is built by NPO Energomash in the Moscow region. U.S.-based RD AMROSS, a joint venture of Energomash and United Technologies Corp., imports the engines to the United States and supplies them to ULA for attachment to Atlas 5 booster stages at a rocket manufacturing plant in Decatur, Ala. While the RD-180 has been a remarkable success, we believe now is the right time for American investment in a domestic engine, Michael Gass, ULAs president and CEO. At the same time, given that ULA is the only certified launch provider of our nations most important satellites, it is critical that America preserve current capabilities and options while simultaneously pursuing this new engine. ULA said it will continue to work with RD AMROSS to evaluate the long-term feasibility of the RD-180 in competition with the anticipated new engine. The companies are discussing product improvements, U.S. production of the RD-180 and other enhancements to ensure its future viability, the press release said
Posted on: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 12:26:38 +0000
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