Advanced Television

SiriusXM’s SXM-8 ready for work

August 2, 2021

By Chris Forrester

North American pay-radio operator SiriusXM’s latest satellite, SXM-8, has been handed over to the broadcaster by its builder Maxar Technologies.

The satellite is already in orbit and has now completed its in-orbit test programme. It launched on June 6th from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Maxar sais in a statement: “SXM-8 is the ninth high-powered, digital, audio radio satellite built by Maxar for SiriusXM. Built on Maxar’s 1300-class platform and designed to provide more than 15 years of service, SXM-8 is more than 27 feet tall and weighed nearly 7,000 kg at launch. SXM-8 has a large, mesh, unfurlable reflector almost 30 feet in diameter that will allow SiriusXM programming to reach its radios, including those in moving vehicles. We are proud of our long-standing relationship with SiriusXM and excited to see SXM-8 ready for service to bring entertainment to millions of SiriusXM subscribers,” said Chris Johnson, Maxar’s SVP/Space Programs Delivery. “The entire Maxar team is committed to excellence, and playing a role in the success of our customers’ missions is what drives us every day.”

SXM-8 will provide continuous, reliable delivery of SiriusXM’s audio entertainment and information services to consumers in the USand will expand SiriusXM’s coverage area in Canada and the Caribbean. SXM-8 will extend the health of SiriusXM’s satellite fleet and its satellite-delivered services through at least 2036.

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