[SatNews] SIRIUS XM Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) has announced that XM-5, the newest addition to its satellite fleet, has been successfully placed in orbit and was declared ready for service.

The new satellite, which was manufactured by Space Systems/Loral, is intended to serve as an in-orbit spare for the existing fleet of SIRIUS and XM satellites. The XM-5 satellite was launched October 14 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan aboard an International Launch Services (ILS) Proton. All orbit raising, deployments, and in orbit test are now successfully completed. The satellite will be situated at 85.2 degrees west, over the eastern half of the United States. XM-5 is owned by XM Satellite Radio Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SIRIUS XM.