French space industry officials say disagreement over how to implement a key element of a demonstrator program aimed at maintaining vital launcher technologies could compromise the program's success. French space agency CNES and armaments agency DGA approved the program a year ago, along with a similar project in space telecommunications, as an adjunct to European Space Agency demonstration efforts intended to keep engineering expertise at minimum levels. CNES agreed to provide EADS with engineering work worth around ?35 million ($46 million) over four years, and space propulsion specialist Snecma with a like amount (AW&ST Jan. 2, 2006, p. 56). The DGA promised similar, unspecified sums to support the sector.
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