WASHINGTON – The first of two radio broadcasting satellites to be owned and operated by
XM Satellite Radio [XMSR] is slated to launch Jan. 8.
XM, based here, is playing catch-up with rival
Sirius Satellite Radio [SIRI] in the race to deliver radio programming directly to U.S. consumers via satellite. Sirius of New York finished deploying its three-satellite constellation last year.
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The international launch consortium Sea Launch of Long Beach, California said in a Jan. 2 statement that preparations are under way to loft XM’s "Roll" spacecraft from an oceangoing platform stationed at the equator in the Pacific Ocean. The platform is sailing towards that destination, and the 37.5-minute launch window will open at 5:35 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (22:35 GMT).
Sea Launch is slated to launch XM’s second satellite, dubbed "Rock," later in the first quarter of 2001.
XM’s system relies on two powerful satellites and a series of 1,500 ground repeaters to boost signals in difficult-to-reach areas, such as urban centers with high buildings. XM’s twin satellites were built by Boeing Satellite Systems, El Segundo, California. The 15-kilowatt spacecraft weigh 10,322 pounds (4,682 kilograms) each and are designed to operate 15 years.
While the Sirius system was declared operational in December, the company does not plan to begin marketing the service until spring.
Both companies will offer about 100 channels of digital radio programming for about $10 per month and are targeting the automobile market.
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