Sirius satellite
From WikiCover
On August 2, 2007, Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) and Sirius Satellite Radio announced that SS/L has been awarded a contract from Sirius to build Sirius FM-6, a new, high-power satellite designed to operate in a highly inclined elliptical orbit (HIEO). This satellite will be the sixth SS/L-built spacecraft in the Sirius fleet. SS/L is a subsidiary of Loral Space and Communications.
Sirius FM-6 will provide nearly double the power of the satellites in Sirius' existing, in-orbit constellation, continuing to improve service for Sirius subscribers. Scheduled for completion in 2010, the new satellite will provide more than fifteen years of service life.
The spacecraft design is based on SS/L's 1300 space-proven platform, which provides the flexibility to accommodate a broad range of applications and technology advances. Sirius FM-6 will carry an X-band uplink and an S-band downlink payload. With almost twenty kilowatts end-of-life power, it will be one of the most powerful satellites being built today.
Space Systems/Loral built the existing fleet of satellites for Sirius, consisting of three in-orbit satellites and one ground spare currently in storage. A fifth satellite is currently under construction at SS/L and will provide enhanced performance and additional sparing capabilities from a geosynchronous orbit when it is launched in late 2008.
Sirius FM-6 is SS/L's fourth commercial satellite construction contract awarded to the company in 2007.