Atlantic Council Captains of Industry with Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX
“The discussion will focus on the future of American space launch, an issue of critical and timely importance. Last month, Russia threatened to cut-off U.S. supply of the RD-180 engine, revealing just how problematic U.S. reliance on these Russian engines really is. SpaceX offers a wholly-American rocket with an outstanding record of reliability and mission success.”
Marc’s note: This event will be webcast starting at 10:30 a.m. EDT.
Marc’s Update: Video: Gwynne Shotwell of SpaceX Discusses the Launch Industry , SpaceRef Business.

2 replies on “Webcast: Gwynne Shotwell on the Future of American Space Launch”

  1. I recently saw an article regarding the RD-180 engines and the response for a US developed replacement engine. I think it was like $1 billion for a US engine and $1 billion for the US to build the RD-180. However, there was a statement that even building the RD-180 in the US would require Russian support.

    This seems to be a flaw in the original approval for using the RD-180. Having this 2 year supply of spare engines and the capability for the US to produce it was to counter such a problem that we now have. No Russian support should have been required. Sounds like a faulty decision that perhaps the GAO should look into.

    Even with the proposed SpaceX Falcon heavy, the US should still invest in developing a new F1 class engine as a second source. Hopefully they learn something from SpaceX and work to make it simple, cheap and reliable. Perhaps it could be available for use to either SpaceX or ULA although I doubt SpaceX would use it as it would likely be too expensive for their tastes.

  2. In case anyone was wondering most of the questions are rehashes of stuff that is publicly known, not much that is new.

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