Eutelsat W1 features three axis stabilization to help keep it stable and pointed at the Earth at all times.

[3] The original Eutelsat W1 satellite was damaged during construction by a malfunctioning fire extinguishing system.

The cause of the fire was determined to be a carbon fiber wall which got too hot when the antennas were pointed at it and turned up on full power.

The launch was originally scheduled for January 2001, but was delayed several times due to developmental problems with the Delta IV.

It was later revealed that one of the two solar panels was lost because the array's drive motor failed.