Photo Credit: SpaceX / Kennedy Space Center
SiriusXM is tapping Elon Musk’s SpaceX for more satellite launches following SXM-9’s successful launch in December.
SiriusXM and Maxar Space Systems have announced the successful in-orbit testing of the SXM-9 satellite, which is now fully operational by the satellite radio platform. The SXM-9 was successfully launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on December 5, 2024.
Following the successful launch and operation of SXM-9, Maxar Space has been commissioned to build the SXM-10, SXM-11, and SXM-12 satellites for SiriusXM. Those programs are ongoing, with the expected launch of SXM-10 to occur later this year.
“SiriusXM is committed to cutting-edge technology and enhancing the proprietary satellite delivery systems that help power our audio entertainment and information service offerings,” said Bridget Neville, SiriusXM’s Senior Vice President & GM of Signal Distribution Engineering.
“The successful implementation of SXM-9 and expected launches of SXM-10, -11, and -12 will strengthen the health of our satellite fleet for decades to come and allow our team to continue innovating far into the future.”
“At Maxar Space Systems, we take pride in partnering with innovative companies like SiriusXM that push the boundaries of what’s possible,” said Chris Johnson, CEO of Maxar Space Systems.
“The Maxar 1300 platform is designed with mission adaptability and reliability in mind, making it an ideal choice for the requirements of SXM-9 and the upcoming SXM-10,-11, and -12 satellites. Maxar remains committed to delivering high-quality solutions that allow our customers to innovate and achieve their long-term objectives.”
SXM-9 will help provide continuous reliable delivery of SiriusXM’s audio entertainment and information services to consumers in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The satellite is the tenth high-powered, digital audio radio satellite built by Maxar Space Systems for SiriusXM and is built on the Maxar 1300 platform.
The satellite is over 27 feet tall and over 100 feet long with its solar arrays deployed, and weighed almost 6,400 kg at launch. SXM-9 features a large unfurlable S-band reflector antenna supplied by L3Harris that enables SiriusXM programming to reach approximately 167 million SiriusXM-equipped vehicles on the road.