The spinning section was kept rotating at 50 rpm to maintain attitude, and a despun section was used by the payload to maintain radio coverage.
[3][4] The spinning section included the apogee kick motor, most of the attitude control, the power subsystem and the command and telemetry subsystems.
The despun section contained the communications payload, including the antennas and transponders.
[3][4] The stock version had a launch mass of 1,100 to 1,450 kg (2,430 to 3,200 lb), a mass of 540 to 790 kg (1,190 to 1,740 lb) after reaching geostationary orbit and an 8 to 10-year design life.
With its solar panels fully extended its height was 6.6 to 8 m (22 to 26 ft).