SiriusXM’s space mission

SXM Media is expanding its radio broadcasting constellation, with the company’s owner, SiriusXM, having ordered its 12th and 13th satellites from Maxar Technologies.

The SXM-11 and 12 are twin high-powered digital audio radio satellites.

They’re due to launch on a rocket around 2026-2027.

Maxar’s Senior Vice President of Space Chris Johnson says “These satellites will provide more capability to SiriusXM’s fleet, including an expanded service area and higher service quality.”

There are more than 150 million SiriusXM-equipped vehicles on the road today that rely on SiriusXM’s proprietary satellite network, which is also a key delivery mechanism for the company’s 360L platform.

SiriusXM currently has five operational satellites – as well as two spares in orbit – for broadcasting radio across North America and Canada.

Photo credit: Maxar Technologies