Sirius XM Radio Launches FM5 Satellite Into Orbit

The Sirius FM5 satellite was launched into orbit this morning from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazahstan. The new satellite will provide additional broadcasting capabilities for Sirius XM Radio.

A Proton Breeze M rocket capable of nearly 2.5 million pounds of thrust, launched the 12,831-pound satellite into space. After a 9 hour 14 minute mission, the Breeze M successfully released the SIRIUS FM-5 satellite, weighing over 5.8 metric tons, into geo-transfer orbit. This was the 346th launch for the Proton. The Proton Breeze M vehicle is developed and built by Khrunichev Research and Production Space Center of Moscow, Russias premier space manufacturer.

The SIRIUS FM-5 satellite, located at 96 degrees West, was built on the flight proven Space Systems/Loral 1300 platform and is the fourth satellite in SIRIUS constellation, all built by Space Systems/Loral. SIRIUS FM-5 is one of the most powerful satellites constructed with an X-band uplink and an S-band downlink payload. The satellite carries a range of technologies which will allow for highly concentrated transmissions to small, advanced devices.

The new satellite will improve redundancy, enhance coverage and provide "exceptional performance" according to Sirius.