XM Satellite Radio has asked the FCC for a special temporary authority (STA) to relocate the XM-1 satellite ("Roll") to 115.1 degrees West Longitude, to operate it at that location for a period of time, and then drift it to 85.2 degrees WL orbital location.
At it's new home, XM would stop transmitting on XM-1 and keep it as a convenient in-orbit spare for the XM-3 satellite ("Rhythm") currently operating at the nearby 85.1 degrees WL location.
XM Radio also requested a STA to test the upcoming XM-4 satellite ("Blues") at 110.7 degrees WL for 90 days following launch, and then drift it to the 115-degree WL orbital location once testing is completed. Launch of XM-4 is expected in September 2006.
[Radio World]
[FCC Report SAT-00368] (PDF)
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