SpaceX Launches siriusxm Satellite on Falcon 9
Cape Canaveral Space force Station, Fla. – SpaceX successfully launched the SXM-10 satellite for SiriusXM early Saturday morning, marking its first customer mission of the month. the Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at 12:54 a.m. EDT (0454 UTC),the start of a four-hour launch window.
Falcon 9’s Eighth Flight
The Falcon 9 first stage booster,designated B1085,powered the mission. This launch marked its eighth flight, having previously supported missions such as the Firefly Aerospace Blue Ghost/ispace Resilience landers, NASA’s Crew-9, and the GPS III Space Vehicle 07 satellite.
Did You Know?
reusable boosters are a cornerstone of SpaceX’s strategy to reduce the cost of spaceflight. Each successful landing contributes to the company’s growing fleet of flight-proven hardware.
Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, the booster executed a landing on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas.
This successful landing marked the 112th booster landing on this particular vessel and the 458th booster landing to date.
SXM-10 Satellite Details
Maxar technologies manufactured the SXM-10 satellite following an order from SiriusXM in August 2021. Maxar has been producing Sirius satellites since the first generation in 2000.
These third-generation satellites are built on Maxar’s 1300-class platform, which serves as the base for over 90 satellites currently in orbit. The SXM-9 satellite, launched in December, recently completed on-orbit testing and checkouts in late January. It measures over 27 feet tall and more than 100 feet long with its solar arrays extended, with a wet mass of nearly 6,400 kg. The SXM-9 also features an S-band antenna developed by L3Harris Technologies.
Pro Tip
The “wet mass” of a satellite includes the weight of its fuel.This is an important factor in mission planning, as it affects the satellite’s maneuverability and lifespan in orbit.
According to Chris Johnson, CEO of Maxar Space Systems, At Maxar Space Systems, we take pride in partnering with innovative companies like SiriusXM that push the boundaries of what’s possible. 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.
Financial Implications for SiriusXM
SiriusXM’s first quarter financial report indicated a $69 million expenditure on satellite construction. The company anticipates total capital expenditures for 2025 to reach approximately $220 million.
SiriusXM projects that Longer term,satellite [capital expenditures] is expected to step down sharply through 2028 as remaining launches are completed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the purpose of the SXM-10 satellite? It will enhance SiriusXM’s satellite radio service.
- Who manufactured the SXM-10 satellite? Maxar Technologies.
- What is the launch vehicle? SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
- Where did the launch take place? Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
- When was the launch? Early Saturday morning.
Reader Question
How does SpaceX reuse its Falcon 9 boosters? The boosters return to Earth and land either on a droneship or back at the launch site. After inspection and refurbishment,they can be used again for future missions,significantly reducing launch costs.
