Europeans agree to build new-generation Ariane 6 rocket

Luxembourg

EUROPEAN nations announced on Tuesday they would build a new-generation rocket in a multi-billion-euro programme to maintain their grip on the world market for satellite launches.

European Space Agency (ESA) ministers "took a major decision - to develop a new launcher, the Ariane 6, which will replace the Ariane 5, with a maiden flight scheduled for 2020," French Research Minister Genevieve Fioraso said in a statement describing the deal as "historic". Tuesday's agreement came after months of behind-the-scenes haggling to ease a rift between France and Germany over Ariane 5's successor.