Sirius to buy GEO satellite from Loral
Posted: Thu, Jun 8, 2006, 12:56 PM ET (1656 GMT)
Sirius Satellite Radio announced Thursday that it was buying a new satellite from Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a spacecraft that the company may use to provide video services. SS/L will build the Sirius FM-5 satellite, a "high-power" 130-series spacecraft, for delivery in 2008. The spacecraft will be able to generate over 20 kilowatts of power and will be equipped with a number of advanced technologies, including an unfurlable 9-meter antenna. The total cost of the spacecraft, including insurance and launch on a previously-ordered Proton rocket, is $260 million; Loral will provide a $100-million vendor financing facility, although Sirius said in a statement it didn't currently plan to draw on that facility. Unlike Sirius' existing three SS/L-built satellites, which operate in high elliptical orbits, FM-5 will be placed in GEO. Sirius has a fourth satellite that is a ground spare, and the company has no current plans to launch it. Industry officials speculate that this spacecraft may be used by Sirius, a satellite radio operator, to move into the video market.
Sirius Satellite Radio announced Thursday that it was buying a new satellite from Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a spacecraft that the company may use to provide video services. SS/L will build the Sirius FM-5 satellite, a "high-power" 130-series spacecraft, for delivery in 2008. The spacecraft will be able to generate over 20 kilowatts of power and will be equipped with a number of advanced technologies, including an unfurlable 9-meter antenna. The total cost of the spacecraft, including insurance and launch on a previously-ordered Proton rocket, is $260 million; Loral will provide a $100-million vendor financing facility, although Sirius said in a statement it didn't currently plan to draw on that facility. Unlike Sirius' existing three SS/L-built satellites, which operate in high elliptical orbits, FM-5 will be placed in GEO. Sirius has a fourth satellite that is a ground spare, and the company has no current plans to launch it. Industry officials speculate that this spacecraft may be used by Sirius, a satellite radio operator, to move into the video market.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Friday, July 25
Space hero Umberto Guidoni joins ADI to ask Russia to stop mars monkey experiments
politics.co.uk — 7:18 am ET (1118 GMT) Nasa opens up space image library
vnunet.com — 7:17 am ET (1117 GMT) Harbinger to Provide SkyTerra and MSV with $500 Million in Financing
MSV — 6:27 am ET (1027 GMT) NASA legend Buzz Aldrin voices concerns about moon rocket
Orlando Sentinel — 6:25 am ET (1025 GMT) Agreement reached for FCC to clear XM-Sirius deal
Reuters — 5:19 am ET (0919 GMT) |