Built by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) and operated by Loral Skynet - both subsidiaries of Loral Space & Communications - the Telstar 18 spacecraft carries a total of 54 active transponders, sixteen Ku-band transponders and thirty-eight C-band transponders. The high-powered 1300-model spacecraft's C-band covers Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific islands and Hawaii. The Ku-band reaches Mainland China, India, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea. The satellite will host cable programming, direct-to-home broadcasting, Internet and VSAT services within Asia while providing an inter-connect to the United States.

APT Satellite Company Limited will initially take up 68.5% of the satellite capacity to provide a wide array of video and data services across Asia. Headquartered in Hong Kong and listed on both the Hong Kong and New York stock exchanges, APT Satellite Group has been dedicated to providing high quality services in satellite transponders, satellite communications and satellite TV broadcasting services to renowned broadcasting and telecommunication sectors in the Asia Pacific region via its own Satellite Control Centre in Hong Kong for over ten years.

A pioneer in the satellite industry, Loral Skynet continues to deliver the superior service quality and range of satellite solutions that have made it an industry leader for more than 40 years. Through the broad coverage of the Telstar satellite fleet, and in combination with its established hybrid VSAT/fiber global network infrastructure, Skynet is a source for all broadcast, data network, Internet access, IP and systems integration needs. Headquartered in Bedminster, New Jersey, Loral Skynet is dedicated to providing secure, high-quality connectivity and communications.

Space Systems/Loral is a premier designer, manufacturer and integrator of powerful satellites and satellite systems. SS/L also provides a range of related services that include mission control operations and procurement of launch services. Based in Palo Alto, Calif., the company has an international base of commercial and governmental customers whose applications include broadband digital communications, direct-to-home broadcast, defense communications, environmental monitoring and air traffic control. SS/L satellites have amassed more than a thousand years of reliable on-orbit service.

This mission was designed to place the Telstar 18 satellite into a high perigee geosynchronous transfer orbit, with the spacecraft separating from the upper stage over the Indian Ocean. Based on preliminary data, all Sea Launch system flight parameters were nominal except that the upper stage of the launch vehicle shut down about 54 seconds prematurely, during the second of two planned burns of the upper stage. The early shutdown caused the satellite to be released at a lower than expected apogee. Space Systems/Loral confirmed spacecraft signal acquisition by a ground station in Perth, Australia, soon after separation and reported the satellite was operating normally.

Following the mission, Loral Space & Communications issued a statement indicating the Telstar 18 had deployed its solar arrays and all systems on the spacecraft were functioning as designed. On July 13, Loral announced the spacecraft had reached its testing position in geostationary orbit at 142 degrees East Longitude and in-orbit testing had begun. Spacecraft testing will continue in its final position at 138 degrees East Longitude until operations begin. Loral further stated that the satellite, which was able to use its significant station-keeping fuel margin for the unplanned orbit raising activities, has enough on-board fuel remaining that will allow it to exceed its specified 13-year life.