Despite this, the countdown resumed smoothly, and the rocket lifted off successfully at 19:00 UTC, flying a northeastern trajectory that took it over Europe.
Following a coasting phase, the upper stage reignited at T+56 minutes for a successful 22-second burn, placing it in a circular orbit.
Secondly, the APU can produce a low level of thrust, to either settle floating propellant in the tanks before re-ignition of the Vinci engine or to make fine orbital adjustments (similar to a thruster).
The third burn was considered an important test for future Ariane 6 missions and as part of ESA's efforts to leave zero launch debris in space.
The plan was for this third burn to direct the upper stage into a safe deorbit over the Pacific Ocean and release the two reentry capsule experiments.