"If a political situation is such that difficulties between our countries will continue, political factors will dominate [the Russia-US space cooperation], no matter how high-quality our production is," the scientist said at a press conference in Rossiya Segodnya press center.
According to Zheleznyakov, political relations between Moscow and Washington will be the determining factor as to whether Russia will continue its leadership in rocket engine production and development.
Last week, Russian rocket manufacturer Energia signed a $1-billion contract with US Orbital Services Corporation for the delivery of 60 RD-181 engines, to be installed on Antares carrier rockets. The first two engines are expected to be delivered in June 2015.
Energia is also discussing the delivery of 30 RD-180 engines, to power the enormous Atlas-5 rockets, to US company United Launch Alliance.
