Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) today announced that it has been awarded a contract by XM Satellite Radio, Washington DC, to build XM-5, a high-power, digital audio radio service (DARS) satellite that will serve as a ground spare in the XM Satellite Radio fleet, ensuring XM subscribers across North America with continued high-quality, digital- music, entertainment and data services.
"This order from XM, our fourth commercial satellite award in 2005, validates SS/L's leadership in the industry," said Bernard L. Schwartz, chairman and CEO of Loral Space & Communications. "We are exceedingly proud of SS/L for continuing to gain market share in the satellite manufacturing industry under challenging circumstances."
Scheduled for delivery in 2007, XM-5 has an on-orbit design life of 15 years and will carry a state-of-the-art DARS payload featuring two large, unfurlable mesh antennas. Its end-of-life power capability of more than 18 kilowatts will make it one of the world's most powerful communications satellites.
"SS/L has built some of the world's most advanced direct-to-user communications satellites, allowing consumers and enterprises an expanded array of entertainment and services," said C. Patrick DeWitt, president, Space Systems/Loral. "SS/L welcomes XM to Loral's family of customers and looks forward to providing a reliable and powerful platform for its successful satellite radio service."
XM-5 is based on SS/L's space-proven 1300 platform, which has an excellent record of reliable operation. Its high efficiency solar arrays and lightweight batteries are designed to provide uninterrupted electrical power. In all, SS/L satellites have amassed more than 1,200 years of reliable on-orbit service.
