RD-180.

This is coolbert:

"Houston, we have a problem!"

Indeed, we do!

All in light of the Ukraine crisis.

That Atlas V rocket booster, responsible for placing American satellites into orbit, INCLUDING WHAT ARE DEEMED AS ESSENTIAL "SPY" SATELLITES, dependent on Russian rocket engine [RD-180] technology and export.

As from:

1. "Pentagon Asks Air Force About Russia Rocket Engine"

"Pentagon officials have asked the Air Force to review whether the use of Russian engines on rockets from a Lockheed Martin Corp.-Boeing Co. (BA) team creates a national security risk."

"Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said last week at a House of Representatives subcommittee hearing that a review was needed after Russia’s incursion into the Crimea and threats to the Ukraine prompted a reassessment of U.S.-Russia relations."

And from only yesterday:

2. "U.S. sends spy satellite into space aboard Russian-powered Atlas V rocket"

"A U.S. spy satellite successfully launched into orbit atop an American Atlas V rocket was ironically helped into orbit courtesy of a Russian-made rocket engine that provided part of the necessary boost."

NO more Russian rocket engines, NO more American launch capability, NO more spy satellites?

There is the alternative of the Delta IV launch booster rocket. That is a strictly American-made space vehicle? Or is it?

For some time now too, American nuclear power plants operating predominantly on fissionable material as obtained from de-activated and re-cycled Russian atomic weapons. That source as deemed as ALSO essential NOW in jeopardy?

coolbert.