The Orbital Axis: Russia’s RD-180 Sale to China

The Orbital Axis: Russia’s RD-180 Sale to China

Roscosmos is negotiating the sale of its crown jewel rocket technology, the RD-180, to Beijing. This move signals a desperate bid for cash and the definitive end of the US-Russian space partnership.

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Show notes

Analysis of the Roscosmos-CNSA negotiations regarding RD-180 technology transfer.

Financial breakdown of the Russian space sector's crisis in 2025-2026.

Technical comparison of the RD-180 and its role in the Chinese Long March 9 development.

The impact of Western sanctions on the US-Russia space partnership and the ISS.

In this episode
  1. 01Intro1 min
  2. 02The Crown Jewel for Sale2 min
  3. 03Roscosmos in Freefall2 min
  4. 04The New Orbital Axis3 min
  5. 05The American Response2 min
  6. 06Outro1 min
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