A new photo report posted on the Arianespace Website for the upcoming Flight 164 provides a look at pre-launch preparations with the Ariane 5 ECA’s powerful ESC-A upper stage.
This cryogenic upper stage is produced by Astrium, and is powered by the Snecma Moteurs’ HM-7 motor, which reliably served for years as the third stage propulsion system on Ariane 4.
See the Mission Update on http://www.arianespace.com for further details on the final checkout of Flight 164, which is set for a February 11 liftoff.