Sarkozy Wants New European Rocket Launcher

LE BOURGET, France (AP) — French President Nicolas Sarkozy called Saturday for a Europe-wide effort to design a new-generation rocket launcher to replace the Ariane-5.

Sarkozy was visiting the Paris Air Show, where the most visible landmark is an Ariane mock-up soaring above the crowds.

Sarkozy stressed "the necessity to prepare a new generation of launchers" ready to succeed the Ariane-5 in 2020-2025, according to a statement from his office. He said he hoped for a decision by 2011. ...