Another historical event in the story of Sirius XM came to fruition today, as Sirius XM’s newest satellite joined the company’s already impressive constellation of satellites. The launch went off without a hitch at 3:10 P.M. E.S.T. from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan.
The launch was broadcast around the world via the World Wide Web. Most of Sirius and XM’s investors, subscribers and fans were never given the opportunity to witness previous launches.
Of special interest to viewers seemed to be one video clip in particular in which the service of Sirius FM-5 was described as providing better coverage to “North America.” This has led some to speculate that Sirius XM could expand its service south of the border as well as the Caribbean.
I found the notation that the new satellite would provide better coverage to Sirius XM’s existing footprint to be most important, as it promises even better sound quality and reception. Another important note was that the new geostationary satellite will prolong the life of the Satellite Radio providers current fleet of orbiting geosynchronous satellites.
Position: Long SIRI
terrific news…thanks.orbitcast had launch for 7/01.Will be awhile before settleing into position.
or should I say satelling.
I’m thinking CNBC will get around to mentioning this right after they have a segment discussing the $525 notes.
Kazakhstan launch is great sucess (borat voice off)
SIRIUS FM-5 telecommunications satellite is one of the most powerful
spacecraft constructed and will transmit radio broadcasting to small,
advanced devices in the United States, Canada, MEXICO and the
CARIBBEAN.
This is what we were all cheering for—a little like the moon shot from Cape Canveral—yes I do remember that. Great news for Siri and users and investors.
MEXICO was also mentioned in the live launch feed from ILS.
just in….procter&gamble soon to launch a new cereal.
Thanks for posting the clip Brandon. I missed it.
3 more hours before getting into position. Great news, so far.
SIRIUS FM-5 Mission Success!
Posted by ILS Communications Team, 12:30 AM on 1 July 2009
We have had a successful mission with the Proton M Breeze M rocket, carrying the SIRIUS FM-5 satellite built by Space Systems Loral for SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc. We have had confirmation that the satellite separated from the vehicle on schedule at 12:24 AM Eastern Time, or 04:24 GMT, 9 hours and 14 minutes after liftoff.
Everything occurred as planned with ignition, shutdown and separation of the Proton’s first three stages, then the Breeze M upper stage with the satellite continued the