SpaceX Successfully Launches SXM-10 Satellite for SiriusXM

SpaceX Successfully Launches SXM-10 Satellite for SiriusXM

On June 7 at 12:54 a.m. EDT, SpaceX achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching the SXM-10 satellite for SiriusXM, marking its first customer mission for the month. This launch took place from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with the Falcon 9 rocket aiming for a geosynchronous transfer orbit.

The Falcon 9 rocket utilized a first stage booster identified as tail number B1085, demonstrating its reliability with this mission being its eighth flight. This booster previously contributed to various missions, including launches of NASA’s Crew-9 and the GPS III Space Vehicle 07, showcasing the versatility and experience behind SpaceX’s launch capabilities.

Shortly after liftoff, the booster made a successful landing on the droneship named A Shortfall of Gravitas, occurring approximately 8.5 minutes post-launch. This landing marked the 112th success on this particular vessel and the total booster landings to an impressive count of 458. Such achievements underscore SpaceX's dedication to reusability within the space industry.

The SXM-10 satellite itself is an impressive piece of technology, manufactured by Maxar Technologies following a build order from SiriusXM issued in August 2021. This satellite represents the third generation of Sirius satellites, which began production in the year 2000. Built on the established Maxar’s 1300-class platform, the SXM-10 is indicative of more than 90 satellites presently operational in space.

SiriusXM kept the industry informed as it concluded testing for the SXM-9 satellite in late January after its launch in December. The SXM-9 measures over 27 feet tall and extends beyond 100 feet in length when its solar arrays are deployed, with a wet mass nearly reaching 6,400 kg. It also featured an advanced S-band antenna designed by L3Harris Technologies, which was successfully unfurled following its deployment.

Reflecting on partnerships, Chris Johnson, CEO of Maxar Space Systems, expressed pride in their collaboration with innovative companies like SiriusXM. In a recent statement, he emphasized that the Maxar 1300™ platform is designed for adaptability and reliability, ensuring a robust solution for the current and subsequent SXM satellites (10, 11, and 12). This commitment signifies Maxar's ambition to deliver high-quality solutions that enable its clientele to reach their vision and objectives.

In the context of financial implications, SiriusXM has reported capital expenditures of $69 million for satellite construction in the recent quarter, projecting total expenditures to approximately $220 million for all of 2025. Notably, the company anticipates a sharp decline in satellite capital expenditures leading to 2028 as remaining launches are fulfilled.

In addition to the SXM-10 launch, noteworthy minutes from the same week included Tyvak, a manufacturer of small satellites, revealing plans for an experimental spacecraft aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This initiative aims to validate compact optical telescopes that could pave the way for improved monitoring of space traffic and orbital debris.

Furthermore, a recent federal regulatory filing suggests that SpaceX may consider returning a Falcon 9 rocket booster to Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for the first time later this year, thereby continuing to push the boundaries of operational reusability in the space industry.