* Astronomy

ESA's high-thrust engine takes next step
 
The new main engine to power Europe's successor to its Ariane 5 space launcher was brought a step closer today when ESA signed a 60 million euro contract with a propulsion consortium at the Paris Air & Space Show.
 ESA is preparing the NGL Next-Generation Launcher to meet Europe's institutional needs and safeguard its guaranteed access to space into the long term, ensuring it will continue to have effective and economic launchers at its disposal.
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