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SXM 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
SXM 7 [Maxar]
SXM 7 to 12 are the third generation of large high power broadcasting satellites for SiriusXM's digital audio radio service (DARS).
Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), now Maxar Technologies, got in July 2016 the contract to build the two satellites based on their SSL-1300 bus. Both SXM-7 and SXM-8 will operate in the S-band spectrum. Each satellite will generate more than 20-kW of power and will have a large unfurlable antenna reflector, which enables broadcast to radios without the need for large dish-type antennas on the ground.
The satellites will replace the XM 3 and 4 satellites.
SXM 7 was launched in December 2020 and successfully reached geostationary orbit. But after 6 weeks during initial testing a payload failure occured. The satellite was declared a total loss in February 2021. SXM 7 has a secondary payload that is functioning for a separate service.
SXM 8 was launched in June 2021.
SXM 9 was ordered in August 2021 as a replacement for the failed SXM 7.
SXM 10 was ordered also in August 2021.
SXM 11 and SXM 12 were ordered in November 2022.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Communication |
| Operator: | SiriusXM |
| Contractors: | Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) → Maxar Technologies |
| Equipment: | S-Band transponders |
| Configuration: | SSL-1300 |
| Propulsion: | R-4D-15 HiPAT, 4 × SPT-100 plasma thrusters |
| Power: | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
| Lifetime: | 15 years |
| Mass: | ~7000 kg |
| Orbit: | GEO |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SXM 7 | 2020-096A | 13.12.2020 | CC SLC-40 | Falcon-9 v1.2 (Block 5) | ||
| SXM 8 | 2021-049A | 06.06.2021 | CC SLC-40 | Falcon-9 v1.2 (Block 5) | ||
| SXM 9 | 2024-234A | 05.12.2024 | CCK LC-39A | Falcon-9 v1.2 (Block 5) | ||
| SXM 10 | - | 2025 | CC | Falcon-9 v1.2 (Block 5) | ||
| SXM 11 | - | 2026 | ||||
| SXM 12 | - | 2027 |
References:
- Space Systems/Loral: SSL Selected to Provide Two Powerful Satellites to SiriusXM, 28 July 2016
Further XM missions:
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Further Sirius (Radiosat) missions:
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