Sirius XM Radio Inc. latest satellite, lovingly named Sirius XM-5, has been delivered to the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan and is preparing for its launch in mid-October.
The Sirius XM-5 Satellite is a high-powered geostationary Space Systems/Loral 1300 satellite similar to the Sirius FM-5 satellite (check out details on the FM-5's antenna reflector or check out a deeper look here).
The satellite was delivered via a AN-124 Ruslan cargo plane and has been unloaded for final assembly and testing.
Sirius XM-5 will reportedly be launched on October 14th.
So what will the Sirius XM-5 do? Not much actually. It'll actually function as an in-orbit spare for Sirius XM's satellite radio network.
That thing is just MASSIVE! I hope the signal lost, improves. I hope they make better antennas to prevent the "accquaring signal" issue end or at least not to populate as often.
Ummm... I don't know what that is a picture of... perhaps the rocket that will be used to deliver the satellite into it's space orbit, but it's certainly not a picture of the satellite.
Picture of largest satellite in Kazakhstan, made of old Sammy Hagar and Billy Squier Cds played on Sirius USA Boneyard channel. Pulled by goat on orbit around train tracks.
Niiiice!
It will be used to carry another 999 channels of sports programming.
Will it be a stationary satellite?
@ Ranger: I bealive it will be Geosyncronous, meaning, it will orbit in a "figure 8" along with the other satellites since all sirius satellites are Geosyncronous. XM's satellites are stationaries. BUT STILL, who knows... :)
@ Ranger @Anonymous is very clear up there, the SAT will be geostationary....
How about aiming that f'er over Hawaii so I can stop using my iPhone in the car. They said it's only a backup anyways.