New Satellite for Sirius Begins Post-Launch Maneuvers

07.02.2009

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The first geostationary satellite in the Sirius fleet launched this week and is maneuvering into its proper orbit. Space Systems/Loral said that the solar arrays for Sirius FM-5 deployed on schedule and its main thruster is firing to maneuver the bird into geosynchronous orbit.

Sirius has three other satellites operating in highly elliptical inclined orbits. In March, we reported that Sirius told the FCC the new satellite more than doubles the power of today's satellites and would provide immediate benefits to its customers in the U.S. and Canada.

The new satellite is for the Sirius constellation only; XM uses geostationary satellites.