Space Forum / Space Policy / February 2010

http://spacenews.com/civil/100222-nasa-requesting-funds-first-stage-
rocket-engine.html

Why does NASA want to develop a rocket engine if U.S. companies already
own the rights to produce the Russian RD-180? The stated goal of this
new rocket engine would be to have similar specifications as the RD-
180, so what gives?

And why is NASA developing an engine if they have no plans for a rocket
to power it? It will take years to develop this engine and another 5 to
7 to develop the rocket that will use it. So that means we will see the
new Ares V-class vehicle in, of 10 to 12 years?

All this is lunacy off course. If NASA wants a big rocket they should
simply have continued developing Ares V, not invent a whole new way for
doing the same thing. If I were NASA I'd start developing nuclear
rocket engines and start thinking about assembling a TransHab-derived
spaceship in orbit, brought up by Falcon 9 Heavy.