Runway Girl
• Mary Kirby
The European Commission, ESA and the SpaceRISE consortium signed an implementation agreement on Aug. 7, 2026, for IRIS², a sovereign communications network of 348 spacecraft in low and medium Earth orbit. Separately, Airbus says it is fielding interest in HBCplus, an inflight-connectivity solution supporting GEO and Lightspeed LEO services.
Europe
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The European Commission, ESA and the SpaceRISE consortium signed an implementation agreement on Aug. 7, 2026, for IRIS², a sovereign communications network of 348 spacecraft in low and medium Earth orbit. Separately, Airbus says it is fielding interest in HBCplus, an inflight-connectivity solution supporting GEO and Lightspeed LEO services.
Ávoris Group has denied interest in acquiring Spanish airline Plus Ultra. The available report provides no further details on the denial or any potential transaction.
High activity
ESA says engine issues that delayed Ariane 6 launches have been resolved, while it studies how to increase the rocket’s flight rate. A lighter Vulcain aft bay—400 kilograms lighter and 55 millimeters shorter—adds a hardware change as Europe relies on Ariane 6 and Vega-C for access to orbit.
Denmark plans to acquire German-built Anthem ground-launched cruise missiles and Joint Strike Missiles for its F-35s, adding new long-range strike options as NATO reinforces its Baltic flank. Separately, Copenhagen is backing Fire Point with a DKK 750 million ($113 million) loan guarantee for a planned rocket-fuel factory.
Dassault Aviation chief executive Eric Trappier says a demonstrator for the Rafale’s sixth-generation successor could fly by 2031, provided the development contract is awarded promptly. The timeline makes contract timing a key condition for the company’s stated target.
Icelandair says fleet-renewal benefits are emerging after a strong third quarter, but high fuel costs are expected to push the Reykjavik-based carrier to a full-year operating loss. The airline is moving its remaining Boeing 757s to Malta as it continues the transition away from the type.
High activity
British Typhoon fighters escorted French Rafales during Exercise RUMMY, a simulated nuclear strike over the Mediterranean. France described it as the first British operational participation in an exercise involving its airborne nuclear capability, marking a new step in UK-French cooperation on nuclear deterrence.
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