The Skynet 5D spacecraft was constructed by Astrium, based on the Eurostar 3000S satellite bus.

It had a mass at launch of approximately 4,800 kilograms (10,600 lb), and is designed to operate for at least 15 years.

[1] Its 34-metre (112 ft) solar arrays will generate a minimum of 6 kilowatts[2] to power its UHF and X-band communications systems.

[3] The Ministry of Defence described the satellite as having a "key role in gathering intelligence on operations", as well as communications.

[4] Skynet 5D was launched by an Ariane 5ECA carrier rocket flying from ELA-3 at Kourou.