This version takes advantage of such advances as dual-junction gallium arsenide solar cells, new battery technology and the first commercial use of a high-efficiency xenon ion propulsion system (XIPS).

During periods of peak solar eclipse, which occur twice a year, PanAmSat is required to shut off a portion of the satellite's payload for some time.

PanAmSat reportedly received a compensation of US$185 million from its insurers after the satellite was declared a "total loss" because its capacity was reduced by more than 50%.

The television channels it broadcasts include BBC World News, Australia Network and regular feeds of Entertainment Tonight and The Wall Street Journal Report.

As of 28 September 2012, BBC World News was replaced with a static video slate advising that the service would be only available on the existing horizontally aligned lower powered Pacific beam on Intelsat 19 which is 3.94 GHz.