阿丽亚娜5重型运载火箭于1998年10月21日成功地进行了第三次试射，并将两个试验有效载荷送人预定轨道，从而结束了飞行鉴定工作，为正式服役做好了准备。此次发射还验证了阿丽亚娜5艾斯塔上面级发动机的多次点火能力。这一能力使该火箭也能为非静地轨道星座提供一箭多星发射。 The Ariane 5 Heavy Duty Launch Vehicle successfully conducted its third test firing on October 21, 1998, and gave two test payloads to the intended orbit, thus ending the flight appraisal and completing the official service ready. The launch also validated the Ariana 5 Esista top-level engine multiple ignition capabilities. This capability has also enabled the rocket to provide a multi-satellite launch of a non-geostationary orbit constellation.