The satellite was based on the HS-353 platform and its estimated useful life was 7 years.

All five satellites in the series were retired and operated an average of almost 4 years beyond their life expectancies.

The separation of the beam by directional antenna allowed this dual use of the frequency, significantly increasing the capacity of satellite communication within an assigned frequency range.

Although the initial requirement Intelsat VAT series was only for the Atlantic service, but also was given special attention during the project to provide service on the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean.

[2] Intelsat IVA F-5 was launched on September 29, 1977, by means of an Atlas-Centaur vehicle from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at Florida in the United States at 8:02 p.m. local time (30 September 0102 UTC).