Orbital Takes ULA to Court Over RD-180 Engine Dispute

摘要

Orbital Sciences Corp., which wants to buy Russian-made RD-180 engines for its medium-lift Antares rocket, is suing rocket maker United Launch Alliance (ULA) for blocking any such sale, according to court papers dated June 20. Orbital of Dulles, Va., claims Denver-based ULA has not only illegally prevented open-market sale of the RD-180 but also has monopolized the launch services market for certain satellites in violation of U.S. antitrust laws, according to a complaint filed June 20 with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Alexandria.