The third in a series of test firings of the EPS Aestus upper stage engine for the Ariane 5 to evaluate the nominal ignition of the powerplant have been completed.
An unusually violent ignition of the EPS during an Ariane 5 launch in July resulted in a loss of propellant which ended up with the insertion of two satellites into lower than planned orbits.
Work is now proceeding on the modelling of the hydraulic and combustion conditions inside the engine. The first Ariane 5 launch since the failure is expected in November if further engine evaluation tests are successful.
Source: Flight International