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Based on the testimony in that video: The Delta IV and Atlas V have overlapping use cases. The Russian engine (RD-180) is only used in the Atlas V. So it wou
by runlevel1 12y ago
Based on the testimony in that video:
The Delta IV and Atlas V have overlapping use cases. The Russian engine (RD-180) is only used in the Atlas V. So it would seem that they could shift to the Delta IV once the stockpile runs out.
They also have the blueprints and specs for the RD-180. It would take a lot of time and money to ramp up production, but not as much as if they were building a new engine from scratch.
That said, I do agree that the US would probably be screwed (in the wallet) without SpaceX.