25/02/2019 (Agence Europe) – In a letter sent in December, Space X, the American manufacturer of reusable space launchers, has asked Edward Gresser, a senior US official in the Department of Commerce, to take action against the unfair competition it claims to face against Ariane 6, according to an article published in Les Échos on Thursday, 21 February. The California-based company points to the €13.2 billion that the Arianespace section of the European Space Agency (ESA) is said to have received between 1998 and 2012. These odd allegations are reminiscent of those made by Arianespace, which regularly points the finger at the American Buy Act and the massive public aid given to Space X single-handedly by American public procurement. Arianespace is currently embroiled in difficulties, particularly following a report by the French Court of Auditors that is rather critical of the long-term viability of Ariane 6 (see EUROPE 12190). (PH)