SXM‑9: SiriusXM’s Latest High-Power Satellite

Overview & Purpose

SXM‑9 is the 10th high-powered digital radio satellite built for SiriusXM by Maxar Space Systems, based on the dependable Maxar 1300-class bus. Its primary mission is to deliver reliable satellite radio programming—including music, news, sports, and entertainment—to approximately 167 million SiriusXM-equipped receivers across North America and Canada

Launch & Deployment

• Launch Date: December 5, 2024 at  16:10 UTC (11:10 a.m. ET)
• Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 from Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
• Booster: Falcon 9 first stage B1076, completing its 19th flight and landing on the “Just Read the Instructions”droneship
• Orbit: Delivered to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO); to be placed into geostationary orbit

Satellite Details

• Manufacturer: Maxar Space Systems
• Bus Platform: Maxar 1300-class
• Launch Mass: ~6,400 kg (≈14,100 lb)
• Antenna: Large~10 m unfurlable S-band reflector (built by L3Harris) for strong reception in moving vehicles

Operational Status
As of January 29, 2025, SiriusXM confirmed that SXM‑9 completed in-orbit testing and is now fully operational, enhancing coverage and service reliability for SiriusXM subscribers.

Strategic Impact

• Provides increasedsignal strength and redundancy in the SiriusXM satellite network
• Supportscontinuity of service amid failures (e.g., SXM‑7) and maintains aging satellite replacements
• Builds on SiriusXM’s future expansion strategy, with SXM‑10, 11, and 12 in development