XM Satellite Radio’s second satellite, “Roll,” has been formally handed over to XM by Boeing Satellite Systems and has begun broadcasting. Roll has reached its final position in geostationary orbit at 85 degrees West Longitude.
XM took possession of Roll Thursday afternoon, after the spacecraft completed in-orbit testing. The satellite, launched May 8, is performing beyond expectations — like “Rock” — and has begun broadcasting XM’s channels as part of the preparation for XM’s commercial launch later this summer.
Rock has been at its final position at 115 degrees West Longitude since last month. By using two powerful satellites, each with the same nationwide coverage, XM will ensure maximum signal and system reliability.
“XM’s space infrastructure is complete. We have groundstations uplinking our original content, fully operational tracking stations and two satellites operating perfectly,” said Derek de Bastos, XM’s Vice-President, Space Segment.
All three XM satellites — “Rock,” “Roll,” and a spare which is built and in its final testing phase — are Boeing 702 models, manufactured by industry leader Boeing Satellite Systems, a unit of the Boeing Company (NYSE: BA – news).
The XM spacecraft carry a unique digital audio radio payload built by Alcatel Space Industries. The payload features two active transponders, each with 16 active (and six spare) 228-watt traveling wave tube amplifiers generating approximately 3,000 watts of RF signal power, making it the most powerful commercial satellite ever built.
XM will transform radio, an industry that has seen little technological change since FM, almost 40 years ago. XM will create and package up to 100 channels of digital-quality sound and provide coast-to-coast coverage of music, news, sports, talk, comedy and children’s programming.
The company recently announced an agreement with MTV Networks to create two 24-hour channels under the MTV and VH1 brand names. XM won several awards at the International Consumer Electronics Show in January, including “Best of CES” in the automotive category.
