Specialists of the Energomash Research and Production Association have launched active work to adapt the RD-180 liquid-propellant rocket engine for the new Soyuz-6 carrier rocket, Energomash CEO Igor Arbuzov said on Tuesday.

"The RD-180 engine … will be used on the first stage of the Soyuz-6 rocket that may eventually replace the Soyuz-2 medium-class launch vehicle, and also in the central block of the super-heavy rocket. We have already started active work to adapt the RD-180 to the rocket’s new version," the Energomash CEO was quoted as saying in a statement circulated by Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos on Tuesday.

As the Energomash chief stressed, the engine for the Soyuz-6 rocket will have enhanced fire protection, new filters, coatings, modern materials and a new control system. It will also be outfitted with a high-speed emergency protection system capable of "responding to a problem at an earlier stage" and instantly shutting down the engines.

The RD-180 will also be used as the groundwork for reusable rockets, the chief executive said.

"Our engines can be used for up to 10 times and that is why we will continue developing the necessary potential for creating reusable rockets," he explained.