ESA’s Ariane 6 rocket approved

BBC : In a meeting to determine funding for European Space Agency programs for the next several years, the research ministers from ESA’s member nations approved a replacement for the Ariane 5 rocket. It has been in operation since the mid 1990s and currently dominates the commercial satellite launch industry. However, several competitors’ rockets are now undercutting the Ariane 5 on cost per launch, and ESA believes that a new rocket is necessary to remain competitive. The ministers agreed to provide €4 billion ($4.9 billion) to fund the development of the proposed Ariane 6 as well as an upgrade to the agency’s smaller Vega rocket. The Ariane 6 will make use of modern fabrication and modular design to help reduce costs. The modularity will also allow for multiple configurations to provide different launch profiles. The ministers also approved €800 million for the International Space Station through 2016 and €140 million for the ExoMars rover project, which is scheduled for launch in 2018.