Abipartisan group of 20 House members has asked the Defense Department not to alter the U.S. Air Force's plans to fund development of new launch systems. In the letter to Secretary of Defense James Mattis, dated April 10, the members said the Air Force should continue efforts to develop "complete, robust launch systems" rather than focus on specific components, such as an engine to replace the Russian-built RD-180. That approach, they argued, is the best way to end reliance on the RD-180 while providing assured access to space at reduced cost.
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