The Air Force this week took another step toward replacing the Russian-made RD-180 rocket engine with a domestic alternative, releasing a draft request for proposals meant to support launch system prototyping efforts. The draft proposal for launch service agreements , released March 14, builds on previous efforts to mature rocket propulsion technology and support plans for new systems. In fiscal years 2014 and 2015, the service provided a series of rocket propulsion system technology maturation awards, and then early last...
