ESA Shelves Ariane 6 Block 3 Upgrades, Refocusing on Near-Term Enhancements

ESA has confirmed it will not pursue Ariane 6 Block 3 upgrades, citing no programme need or justification. The near‑term path will focus on existing improvements (P160C boosters and a lighter Vulcain Aft Bay) and the Astris orbital transfer vehicle around 2029, while ICARUS ULPM evolution was not approved. A CM25 funding shortfall left €145.94m funded of a €304.4m envelope, contributing to shelving Block 3; the agency says future evolutions could occur if mission requirements justify them, including possible human-spaceflight capabilities.