Russia, U.S. Sign Engine Safeguard Agreement

In an effort to avoid the unsanctioned use of the rocket engine RD-180 and to safeguard this technology in conjunction with the organization of production of this engine, Russian and U.S. officials plan to sign an agreement to organize safeguards. The Russian Foreign Ministry plans to meet with executives from United Technologies Corp.The development of the RD-180 rocket engine was begun in 1994. The first launch using this technology took place last May aboard a Lockheed Martin Corp. [LMT] Atlas 3 rocket.