Arianespace is delaying the launch of the first Ariane 5 ESC-A model from 8 November to at least 20 November. The hold-up will allow more time to assess results from the launch dress rehearsal conducted at Kourou, French Guiana, on 15-16 October. The ESC-A has cryogenic upper stages and will be the sole version of the Ariane 5 to be offered by Arianespace as plans for more powerful versions have been put on the backburner due to the downturn on the space market and the company's financial difficulties.
Source: Flight International