Russian-Made Boosters Needed for Taurus-2

A major U.S. rocket manufacturer AeroJet says it may buy Russian engines for the launch vehicle Taurus 2 being developed by Orbital Sciences Corporation to launch from Wallops Island, Va. Aerojet is in talks over the possible deal after successful lengthy tests of the Russian NK-33 engine. The company bought the same model in the mid-90's and this time might need up to 70. The rocket engine is produced in Central Russia's Samara region and was first developed 40 years ago. It is certainly a positive indicator for the future launch of the Taurus-2 booster now set for the first test launch in about one year from now.