NSS-8 is the first Boeing satellite procured by New Skies, an independent global satellite operator that was formed through the partial privatization of INTELSAT. NSS-8's payload will include 88 total operational transponders, with 46 in C-band, 42 in Ku-band and 16 spares. Four 25 cm XIPS thrusters built by Boeing Electron Dynamic Devices, Inc., will perform orbit raising and stationkeeping duties. Advanced triple-junction gallium arsenide solar panels built by Spectrolab are designed to deliver 17 kilowatts of total spacecraft power.

NSS-8 will be stationed at 105 degrees West longitude, a new orbital slot for New Skies. NSS-8 will deliver services that include broadcast television, Internet, multimedia and corporate data transmission for New Skies' customers in the Western Hemisphere as well as point-to-multipoint distribution of video to cable headends throughout the Americas.

The NSS-8 contract includes options for up to two follow-on spacecraft. Sea Launch was selected as the launch provider under this delivery-in-orbit contract. NSS-8 was scheduled to launch in 2006.