In the publication of the journal “Russian Space”, published by Roscosmos , recognized as unknown purpose of the USA-310 spacecraft launched on 13 November from Cape Canaveral in the interests of the National Directorate of Military Space Intelligence of the United States with an Atlas V rocket, which receives a Russian DR-180 engine.
“The mission, designated NROL-101, was originally scheduled for September, but was repeatedly postponed for technical reasons or due to unfavorable weather. The designation of the launched spacecraft with conditional
the designation USA-310, its characteristics and orbital parameters are classified, “the publication notes.
“Messenger? Scout?” – ask a question in the publication called the main Russian space magazine.
In April, the general director of Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin said that the state corporation will not merge with the American one by SpaceX , since the latter is a contractor Pentagon . Corresponding member of the Tsiolkovsky Russian Academy of Cosmonautics Andrey Ionin , commenting on this statement of the official, noticed that Roskosmos sells rocket engines in the USA that are used in rockets launching US military spacecraft.
In January 2018, the General Director of the Scientific and Production Association (NPO) Energomash Igor Arbuzov admitted that the company he heads is heavily dependent on American orders, in particular, the bulk of the company’s revenue is formed from the supply of RD engines -180 and RD-181 in the USA.