SXM-9 Satellite Completes In-Orbit Testing

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NEW YORK — The SXM-9 satellite used by SiriusXM to deliver audio content to vehicles across North America has completed in-orbit testing and is now fully operational.


The satellite was launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on December 5, 2024, in partnership with Maxar Space Systems.

“SiriusXM is committed to cutting-edge technology and enhancing the proprietary satellite delivery systems that help power our audio entertainment and information service offerings,” said Bridget Neville, SiriusXM’s Senior Vice President/GM of Signal Distribution Engineering. “The successful implementation of SXM-9 and expected launches of SXM-10, -11 and -12 will strengthen the health of our satellite fleet for decades to come and allow our team to continue innovating far into the future.”

Chris Johnson, CEO of Maxar Space Systems, added, “The Maxar 1300 platform is designed with mission adaptability and reliability in mind, making it an ideal choice for the requirements of SXM-9 and the upcoming SXM-10, -11 and -12 satellites. Maxar remains committed to delivering high-quality solutions that allow our customers to innovate and achieve their long-term objectives.”

SXM-9 is the 10th high-powered, digital audio radio satellite built by Maxar Space Systems for SiriusXM and is built on the Maxar 1300 platform. The SXM-9 is more than 27 feet tall and over 100 feet long with its solar arrays deployed, and weighed almost 6,400 kg at launch. It features a large unfurlable S-band reflector antenna supplied by L3Harris that enables SiriusXM programming to reach approximately 167 million SiriusXM-equipped vehicles on the road today.

SiriusXM and Maxar Space Systems previously announced that Maxar Space has been commissioned to build the SXM-10, -11 and -12 satellites for SiriusXM, and those programs are ongoing with the expected launch of SXM-10 to occur later this year.

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