So it looks like the launch of XM-3 is back on and finally going to happen today (anyone else getting sick of waiting for this bird to fly?). The XM-3 Launch was plagued with issues causing delays, but it looks like we're good to go tonight.

Catch the live broadcast coverage of the launch of XM-3 today at 7:51 pm PST (that's 10:51 pm EST) with an one-hour launch window.

As usual, you can look at the purty live webcam onboard the Odyssey launch vehicle.

Due to rough seas, the XM-3 satellite was supposed to be launched tonight, but apparently the conditions are still pretty crappy, so the XM-3 mission has been postposed.

There's nothing wrong with the equipment, just that sea conditions are beyond the accept threshold for a safe launch.

Sea Launch will advise when a launch date is reestablished. Keep checking here for updates.

As we reported before, Sea Launch is preparing for the launch of XM Satellite Radio's XM-3 satellite. Sea Launch's page now lists that liftoff will take place at the opening of a one-hour launch windo at 7:53pm PST on February 16th (Feb. 17, 3:53 GMT).

Click to see a live webcam from Sea Launch's Odyssey Launch Platform.

XM Satellite Radio has just announced they will serve as the title sponsor of the XM Satellite Radio Indy 200 at the Phoenix International Raceway on March 19. The Indy Racing League (IRL) IndyCar Series event, which will air nationwide on ABC television at 3:00 pm ET, is the second race in the series' tenth anniversary season. We can only assume this is only the beginning.

The sponsorship of the XM Satellite Radio Indy 200 is part of a multi-year marketing agreement with International Speedway Corporation (ISC), a major promoter of motorsports activities in the United States.

As a result, XM will have an on-site presence this year at 25 racing events sanctioned by IRL IndyCar Series and NASCAR at ten ISC tracks, including the Daytona International Speedway, California Speedway, and Richmond International Raceway. This agreement gives XM a major presence at NASCAR and IRL IndyCar Series events at ISC tracks all over the country.

Sea Launch is preparing for the launch of XM Satellite Radio?s XM-3 satellite (aka "Rhythm"), and they've just given us some juicey info and pics to chew on while we wait for the live webcast. Considering the Mission Schedule, the speculation is that the launch should occur in the next two weeks.

Sea Launch's page is chock full of info on the whole launch (I love the prep pics), but if you want a run down here it is:

Propelling the XM-3 digital radio broadcast satellite into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit will be the Zenit-3SL launch vehicle. The Zenit-3SL will liftoff from Sea Launch's Odyssey Launch Platform, which just happens to be positioned on the Equator.

Two-and-a-half minutes after liftoff, the first stage will separate and then the payload fairing will jettison. About five minutes later, the second stage will separate from the Block DM upper stage. After the first burn of the Block DM engine, the spacecraft will coast for about 35 minutes. Following this coast, the Block DM will make a second burn and then separate from the spacecraft about 14 minutes later, above the coast of Gabon, Africa.

Built by Boeing Satellite Systems, the 702-model spacecraft will augment the existing XM satellite system. XM got approval to launch XM-3 on January 27. XM-4 is planned to launch sometime in 2007.

Thanks candlebougie!