Why SpaceX Should Replace Russia As Air Force's Rocket Engine Maker

Why does the U.S. military rely on Russia for its rocket engines when there are plenty of U.S. companies, like, for example, SpaceX, which could supply them? That’s certainly a great question, and lawmakers are trying to figure out the answer. Of course there are numerous moving parts which are involved, including not only costs, but also security concerns and the idea that using U.S.-made rockets makes more sense than rockets from Russia, which faces sanctions in connection with the Crimea invasion.

SpaceX, Boeing, Lockheed Martin top competitors

For example, SpaceX is...