"During 2017, we plan the delivery of 11 RD-180 engines [for Atlas rockets] to United Launch Alliance (ULA) and eight RD-181 motors [for US carrier rockets Antares] to Orbital ATK," Arbuzov said.

Shortly thereafter, work began on a new engine, the RD-180. It would be twice as big as the NK-33, with five times the thrust of a jumbo jet. The RD-180 was not a slam dunk design, however.

MOSCOW, October 31. /TASS/. Russia’s Energomash Company shipped the next three RD-180 rocket engines used in the US Atlas launch vehicle to the United States, the company said on Thursday.