Vulcan intends to develop new engines , mid - air recovery and new upper stage . Engines will arrive after launch and be picked up by helicopter mid - air . Reusable rockets will end their dependence on Russian rocket engines . SpaceX has also attempted to prove that reusable rockets are viable .
Vulcan plans to use new engines , mid-air recovery and new upper stage . Engines will separate after launch and be picked up by helicopter mid-air . Reusable rockets could end US dependence on Russian rocket engines . SpaceX today also attempted to prove that reusable rockets are viable .