Aurora mainnet has been down since 02:16 UTC with no resolution; EVM-compatible NEAR sidechain experiencing extended outage.

Tech & Launches · 2026-07-20

Aurora, an EVM-compatible sidechain built atop NEAR Protocol that allows Ethereum-based applications to operate with reduced transaction costs, went offline at 02:16:11 UTC and has not yet restored service. The network raised $12 million in 2021 from backers including Pantera Capital, Electric Capital, and Dragonfly Capital.

The extended outage comes as the network's total value locked has deteriorated sharply. TVL reached approximately $2.5 billion in 2022 but has since contracted by 99 percent to $4.65 million, reflecting broader challenges in the protocol's ecosystem. The cause of the outage and expected timeline for recovery remain unclear.

Previously on Telem

NEAR Intents connects 35 chains, removes blockchain abstraction 2026-07-17
Interactive Brokers adds nine crypto tokens, enables two-way stablecoin transfers 2026-07-15
Bithumb suspends NEAR deposits and withdrawals from July 19 2026-07-13
NEAR Protocol fee capture rate surges to 30.5% in 30 days 2026-07-09