12/01/2001 (Agence Europe) - The CEO of Arianespace, Jean-Marie Luton, has called on Member States to "consolidate their efforts" in favour of the satellite launching company. "We are not calling for special aid from Member States", but, "Europe spends 600 million euro a year on launchers, whereas the United States spends $3 billion", Jean-Marie Luton remarked. An appeal that the spokespeople for ESA refuse to take as an appeal for contributions. "It's rather a question of an appeal to European industrialists" sources at ESA say. The Fifteen are participating in Airanespace through the European Space Agency, ESA, which devotes some 20% of its budget to the satellite launching company each year, or some 529 million euro.