On the early morning of June 7, SpaceX achieved another milestone by launching the SXM-10 satellite for SiriusXM. This successful mission adds to SpaceX's expanding broadcasting constellation, showcasing the company's commitment to enhancing satellite communication services.
The Falcon 9 rocket carrying the SXM-10 satellite lifted off from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at precisely 12:54 a.m. EDT (0454 GMT). This launch marked a significant moment in satellite communications as the SXM-10 joins SiriusXM's network, which is vital for delivering high-quality broadcasting services to millions of subscribers.
Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9's first stage successfully returned to Earth, landing on the SpaceX drone ship named A Shortfall of Gravitas, which was stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. This was the eighth successful launch and landing for this particular booster, underscoring SpaceX's advancements in reusable rocket technology.
Notably, this booster has previously supported significant missions, including the Crew-9 and Fram2 astronaut flights. Additionally, it played a crucial role in the January 15 mission that deployed two private moon landers, namely Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost and ispace's Resilience. While Blue Ghost successfully achieved a lunar touchdown on March 2, Resilience faced challenges and crashed during its landing attempt on June 5.
After the initial launch phase, the Falcon 9's upper stage propelled the SXM-10 satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit high above Earth, deploying it approximately 33 minutes post-launch. The satellite, weighing in at 14,100 pounds (6,400 kilograms), was constructed by Maxar Technologies and is set to enhance SiriusXM’s radio capabilities.
Saturday's launch represents SpaceX's second mission for SiriusXM in a mere six months, following the successful deployment of the SXM-9 satellite in early December 2024. This rapid succession of launches highlights SpaceX's efficiency and reliability in serving the satellite communication industry.
As SpaceX continues to innovate and expand its launch capabilities, the successful deployment of the SXM-10 satellite is a testament to the company's role in transforming the landscape of satellite broadcasting and communication.
