XM Satellite Radio has received the okay from the FCC to launch two new satellites. These birds replace two Boeing satellites that have solar array power problems, which have shortened their lifespans.
XM plans to launch and operate XM-3 to replace one of its original satellites, XM-Roll. It asks to move the XM-Roll satellite to temporarily co-locate with its other original satellite, XM-Rock, with each operating at half of its original capacity.
XM wants to launch a fourth satellite by 2007 and operate XM-Rock and XM-Roll as in-orbit spares once it launches the fourth spacecraft.
XM to Launch Replacement Satellites
XM to Launch Replacement Satellites
