In October 1997, Hughes Space and Communications International Inc. was awarded a contract for its first commercial satellite for Russia. The contract was awarded by BONUM-1, a subsidiary of Media Most, a Moscow-based private Russian media group that develops satellite television broadcasting services for Russia.

The satellite is a high-power version of the HS-376HP, spin-stabilized spacecraft, one of the most popular spacecraft models. The satellite was launched onboard a Delta-7925 rocket on Nov. 22, 1998. The delivery in-orbit contract included the satellite, launch vehicle services, and ground satellite control equipment for use at the control center, and training for the satellite controllers. The satellite is operated by the BONUM-1 control station, located in Moscow.

BONUM-1 was the 53rd HS-376 to be ordered. It contains eight active Ku-band transponders, which, as a result of digital compression technology, provide up to 50 channels using 80-watt traveling-wave tube amplifiers. BONUM-1 serves European or West-Siberian parts of Russia, selectable on-orbit by ground command.

BONUM-1 provided active services until 2010. Finally, in December 2014, it was sent to a graveyard orbit.