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ArianeGroup   Europe   ESA   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation  
European Spaceflight • Andrew Parsonson

ESA shelves Ariane 6 Block 3 evolution and ICARUS upper-stage plans

ESA has confirmed that the proposed Ariane 6 Block 3 evolution, including the lightweight ICARUS upper stage, has been shelved. The decision removes a planned pathway for upgrading Europe’s heavy-lift launcher, with implications for future Ariane 6 performance and development priorities.

2026-08-20T08:05:11.583021-07:00
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space  
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Payload • Jacqueline Feldscher

Portal Books Dedicated Falcon 9 Amid Constrained Launch Market

By Payload: While Thornburg said Portal is expected to take up about half of the fairing with its own spacecraft, it’s working with launch integrator Maverick Space Systems to sell the other half to customers looking for rideshare opportunities in a turbulent market.

Also: SpaceNews.com and GeekWire
2026-08-20T06:05:12.356796-07:00
Satellite   LEO   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Commercial Space   NASA  
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New York Times • Kenneth Chang

NASA’s Attempt to Save the Swift Telescope Has Failed

By New York Times: NASA’s Swift Observatory, which studies some of the most powerful explosions in the universe, will soon burn up in the atmosphere.

Also: Aviation Week, Economic Times, CNA, The Verge, The Independent and 6 more
2026-08-19T13:21:09.555648-07:00