The Météosat satellite system is an example of a very successful European endeavour. First designed in the early 1970s, the first model was launched in 1977, and the same design is expected to be in use until at least the end of 2003. The expected 26 years of operational service amply justifies the initial development effort. A few relatively minor design changes were introduced after Meteosat-3.

The overall size of the satellite is 2.1 meters in diameter and 3.195 meters long. Its initial mass in orbit is 282 kg. Additional to this dry mass is the hydrazine propellant used for station-keeping, amounting to approximately 40 kg at the beginning of life. In orbit, the satellite spins at 100 rpm around its main axis, which is aligned nearly parallel to the Earth's north-south axis.

Météosat is composed of a main cylindrical body, on top of which a drum-shaped section (diameter 1.3 m) and two further cylinders are stacked concentrically. The main cylindrical body contains most of the satellite subsystems, including the radiometer. Its surface is made up of six panels covered with solar cells which provide electrical power. The panels also have cut-outs for sensors, thrusters, and umbilical connectors.

APPLE, Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment, is an Indian experimental communications satellite. APPLE was tested by sending television programs and radio broadcasts. It stopped communicating on September 19, 1983.

CAT-3 is an Italian payload used to control the proper operation of the launcher and to send the flight parameters to the engineers. It worked perfectly well.