Chinese space launch company Great Wall Industry is discussing a deal with Russia’s top rocket maker to procure key engine technology, a sign of the growing aerospace ties between the two countries that is causing concern in the US, the Financial Times reports.
NPO Energomash, Russia’s leading rocket engine manufacturer, told the FT that talks were indeed taking place with Great Wall on Wednesday.
The US considers Energomash’s engine, the RD-180, to be so advanced that it uses the system for its own satellite launches, despite the fact that Washington’s 2014 sanctions on Russia would normally preclude such a deal.