All Systems Go for Sirius XM Satellite Launch

By Brandon Matthews

Despite a last minute valve issue discovered while fueling the Russian built, 1,554,000 lb ILS Proton Breeze M spacecraft, it is all systems go for the launch of Sirius XM’s (SIRI) next satellite, scheduled for a June 30, 2009, 3:10 E.S.T. departure from planet earth. A minor delay was caused by a sticking valve which was subsequently opened without issue.

“International Launch Services is the U.S. based company with exclusive rights for worldwide commercial sales and mission management of satellite launches on Russia’s premier vehicle, the Proton.”

The new satellite dubbed FM-5 will have a 15 year life expectancy. It was built by Space Systems/Loral for Sirius XM Radio which has 10 previous Proton launches to date.

This will be Sirius XM’s fourth satellite launch via the Proton. According to the launch brochure, the satellite mission states:

The SIRIUS XM FM-5 satellite will supplement the existing fleet of SIRIUS satellites with a high-power geostationary satellite that enhances the listening experience. It will ensure SIRIUS XM’s array of audio and data services are received robustly by cars and mobile devices, improve the signal delivery to homes, and bolster the continuity of our service for years to come.

The sequence of important launch events is as follows:

• Lift-Off
• First Burn
• Second Burn
• Third Burn
• Fourth Burn
• Fifth Burn
• Separation
• Departure Charter

The Proton and its payload have been rolled out to pad 39. The launch can be viewed live online at www.ccistream.com. The media player has not been updated, but a call to ILS has confirmed a 3:10 PM Launch for Tuesday.

Position: Long SIRI

Comments

[User 335646:]

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Jun 30 08:18 AM