European ministers reach space funding accord -delegates

More than 20 nations have reached an agreement on funding space projects over the next three years after last-minute delays in ministerial talks in Paris, two delegates told Reuters.

The European Space Agency had asked its 22 member-nations to come up with 18.5 billion euros ($19.06 billion) to fund rocket launches, satellites and Europe's participation in planetary research for 2023-25, up from 14.5 billion in a previous deal.

The total amount raised for space missions in the latest triennial funding round was not immediately clear. ESA had no immediate comment ahead of a planned news conference.