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SiriusXM’s SXM-9 Satellite Is Now Operational

Launched by a SpaceX rocket into orbit to help strengthen SXM's U.S. coverage

SiriusXM announced its SXM-9 satellite has completed in-orbit testing and is now fully operational.

SiriusXM’s SXM-9 was successfully launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on December 5, 2024. (Image credit: SpaceX)
SiriusXM’s SXM-9 was successfully launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Dec. 5, 2024. (Image credit: SpaceX)

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the satellite on Dec. 5. Built by Maxar Space Systems using its Maxar 1300 platform, SXM-9 is more than 27 feet tall and approximately 100 feet long with its solar arrays deployed. At launch, it weighed around 6,400 kg. The satellite features an S-band reflector antenna supplied by L3Harris.

[Related: “SiriusXM Commissions a Pair of New Satellites”]

In December, the company announced a renewed emphasis on in-car listening after previously focusing on streaming. SiriusXM said it reaches approximately 160 million equipped vehicles.

Subscribers likely won’t notice any difference while listening on the road but the media provider stated the satellite strengthens its coverage across the contiguous U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada.

SXM-9 spacecraft in Maxar Space Systems' Palo Alto Facility prior to launch. (Image credit: Maxar Space Systems)
SXM-9 spacecraft in Maxar Space Systems’ Palo Alto Facility prior to launch. (Image credit: Maxar Space Systems)

Bridget Neville, SiriusXM’s senior vice president and general manager of signal distribution engineering, said in a statement that the launch is expected to enhance the health of its satellite fleet for the foreseeable future. The company’s fleet includes multiple active satellites as well as an in-orbit spare.

SiriusXM plans to launch its SXM-10 satellite later this year, with SXM-11 and SXM-12 in development, though their launch timelines are yet to be determined.

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