SEATTLE, Washington — Arianespace’s chief executive said the European Space Agency (ESA) would re-examine its geographic-return policy as it applies to development of new-generation rockets when ESA governments meet in November to produce a policy roadmap.
Referring to a recent critique of the new Ariane 6 rocket by France’s government spending watchdog, Stephane Israel said ESA’s policy — a pillar of Europe’s government space spending — nonetheless has the merit of guaranteeing financial support by 13 governments now financing the Ariane 6 rocket.
