PARIS The European Space Agency has detailed spending proposals that will help shape Europe’s future position in launchers, telecommunications, Earth observation and satellite navigation through 2006 and beyond. The proposals—to be submitted for approval by the ESA space ministers during their May summit—cover a dozen optional projects, along with multiyear spending for the Horizon 2000/2000 Plus science program and the general budget.

CAPE CANAVERAL The U.S. Air Force investigation into the failure of a Titan IVB Boeing Inertial Upper Stage during launch of a $250-million Defense Support Program missile warning satellite on Apr. 9 will examine IUS second-stage control avionics and whether the second-stage IUS extendable nozzle deployed properly.

WASHINGTON Security experts say it is past time for President Clinton to rethink his “strategic partnership” with China, in favor of a more realistic framework for bilateral relations. Although China will become a worldclass military power over time, they argue, it lacks the stature to qualify as a strategic power now.

San Francisco An expansion of flight opportunities under the U.S.-China air services bilateral will allow existing carriers to solidify their positions and permit an additional entrant from each country in two years. Both countries are now served by three carriers flying a total of 27 flights a week.