The upgrade - known as Ariane 5ME (Mid-Life Evolution) - would introduce a more powerful upper-stage engine.

BBC: SpaceX CEO Elon Musk: Europe's rocket 'has no chance'

Work will continue to give Ariane 5 a major upgrade, to provide it with a more powerful upper-stage engine that will also have a stop-start capability.

BBC: Ariane rocket ready to do battle