Space Systems/Loral (SSL), provider of commercial satellites, today announced that the Sirius FM-6 satellite, designed and built for Sirius XM Radio, is performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite deployed its solar arrays late Friday evening, following a successful launch from the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan aboard a Proton Breeze M launch vehicle, provided by International Launch Services (ILS). Yesterday, it began the first of several thruster firings to maneuver into geosynchronous orbit.

Sirius FM-6 is a new, high-power satellite designed to operate in a Geostationary orbit (GEO). This satellite is the seventh SSL-built spacecraft in the SIRIUS XM Radio fleet and provides nearly double the power of the satellites in SIRIUS XM's existing, in-orbit constellation, continuing to improve service for SIRIUS subscribers. Sirius FM-6 carries an X-band uplink and an S-band downlink payload. With almost 20 kilowatts end-of-life power, it is one of the world's most powerful satellites being built today. The satellite launched in October 2013.

Sirius FM-6 is a high-power, 20-kilowatt satellite that has an X-band uplink and an S-band downlink payload. It has a nine-meter unfurlable reflector, built by Harris Corporation, which allows for broadcast to cars and satellite radios for the home, office and to mobile devices.

The first three satellites built by SSL for SiriusXM were placed in a unique near-polar orbit and have provided uninterrupted service throughout their life.  Sirius FM-6 is the third high power geostationary (GEO) satellite built by SSL for SiriusXM. 

Sirius FM-6 will help ensure continuous and reliable delivery of SiriusXM’s unparalleled audio entertainment and data services to 25.6 million subscribers across North America.

“Our close collaboration with SiriusXM over the years has resulted in some of the world’s most powerful spacecraft,” said John Celli, President of SSL. “It has been an honor to work with SiriusXM, and to contribute to the success of satellite radio, which brings popular entertainment and important information to millions of people in their cars, homes, and businesses.” 

Sirius FM-6 is SSL’s tenth 20-kilowatt satellite to be placed into orbit. It is based on the SSL 1300 space-proven platform, which has a long history of reliability and provides the power and flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances.  With this launch, there are 74 SSL-built satellites currently on orbit.