The satellite had a mass in orbit of 671 kg, had a rotation stabilized between 50 and 55 rpm, its propellers used as a propellant 136 kg of hydrazine and was powered by solar cells that supplied 982 Watts at the beginning of its phase of operation, using two NiCd batteries as power reserve.

They provided an effective incident radiated power (EIRP) of 34 dBW for most of the Brazilian territory.

Two satellites were acquired from the company Spar Aerospace, model HS-376, manufactured under Hughes Space licenses.

Its replacement in the orbital position of 65 degrees west to continue with the telecommunications transmissions, was the satellite Brasilsat B2, that was released in 1995.

Brasilsat A1 was equipped with 24 transponders in C-band (plus 6 spare) to provide telecommunications services to Brazil.