14/09/2016 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 13 September, the European Space Agency (ESA) Council gave its approval for continuing the Ariane 6 launcher development programme, according to statements made by Gaele Winters, the director responsible for ESA launchers. "The signal is clear", as the decision was reached unanimously. In December 2014, the ESA Council decided to develop a new rocket launcher by 2020, which would be less expensive than the current Ariane 5, in order to confront international competition and the increasing number of private actors in this domain. Launchers are also part of the European Commission's priorities and it is expected to decide on a strategy this autumn (see EUROPE 11466). Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commission vice-president, attended the ESA Council to present the Commission's position and prepare the agency's December meeting, where it will adopt its space strategy (see EUROPE 11563). (PH)