Space Systems/Loral to Build New Satellite for XM

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 8, 2005/Satnews Daily/ — Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) said on Tuesday it has been awarded a contract by XM Satellite Radio to build XM-5, a high-power, digital audio radio service (DARS) satellite. The spacecraft will serve as a ground spare in the XM Satellite Radio fleet, ensuring XM subscribers across North America with continued high- quality, digital- music, entertainment and data services.

Scheduled for delivery in 2007, XM-5 has an on-orbit design life of 15 years and will carry a state-of-the-art DARS payload featuring two large, unfurlable mesh antennas. Its end-of-life power capability of more than 18 kilowatts will make it one of the world's most powerful communications satellites.

XM-5 will be based on SS/L's 1300 platform. Its high efficiency solar arrays and lightweight batteries will be designed to provide uninterrupted electrical power.

XM said its XM-5 is intended as a ground spare for the company’s in-orbit fleet. Boeing Satellite Systems has built XM's three in-orbit satellites (launched by Sea Launch). Boeing is also completing the construction of XM-4, which will be available for launch in 2006.

“With the selection of Space Systems/Loral, XM broadens its industry base to include two major satellite teams with the capability to continue to provide XM with the highest quality and most complete signal coverage in the satellite radio industry,” said Hugh Panero, president and CEO of XM.

XM currently serves more than 4 million subscribers.

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