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Proton Successfully Launches Sirius Radio 3

More Information:

Sirius Radio 3 was successfully launched into a highly elliptical orbit by a Proton K/DM4 from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Complex 81 pad 23, at 1958:47 UTC (11:58:47 a.m. PST) on November 30. This is the last launch needed to complete the Sirius Radio satellite constellation. The company hopes to begin operations in early 2001.

The 3800 kg (8377 lbm) satellite was manufactured by Space Systems/Loral, based on an LS 1300 bus, for Sirius Satellite Radio (previously known as CD Radio). The Sirius Satellite Radio constellation will operate in an elliptical orbit ranging from a perigee of 23,975 km (12,950 nmi) to an apogee of 46,983 km (25,375 nmi), inclined at 63.4 degrees.

The elliptical orbit is unusual for commercial telecommunication satellites. Normally telecommunication satellites fly in circular geostationary orbit 35,880 km (19,375 nmi) high where the craft can match the Earth's spin and "park" over one spot of the globe. Sirius Satellite Radio discovered, after testing, that the geostationary satellite configuration did not provide high enough angles of elevation to deliver the seamlessness of coverage that they felt was really critical for product acceptance, leading them to select their elliptical orbit plan. Cars driving on the road with man-made and natural obstacles, which could be anything from a 2-story building to tractor-trailers driving alongside, block the view to satellites flying above the equator, whereas the orbit of the Sirius Satellite Radio satellites provides an elevation angle in excess of 60 degrees. The satellites will be spaced such that two are always in view of the U.S., with one satellite setting, another rises. A problem that remains are skyscrapers. To address that problem, Sirius Satellite Radio plans to deploy 105 terrestrial repeaters in 46 cities that will pick up the satellites' signal and transmit the programming locally. The Sirius Satellite Radio receiver will automatically switch from satellite to the local system as needed. Sirius Satellite Radio also is looking to bring its programming into Americans' homes via cable TV, direct-to-home TV satellite broadcasters and special receiving devices.

Sirius Satellite Radio receivers will be available soon, some beginning with the upcoming model year. Sirius Satellite Radio has alliances with automotive electronics manufacturers to bring receivers to the automotive aftermarket and for installation in new cars. The company has alliances to install receivers in BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Dodge, Ford, Jaguar, Jeep, Mazda, Mercedes, and Volvo automobiles as well as Freightliner and Sterling heavy trucks. Electronic manufacturers include Alpine, Audiovox, Clarion, Delphi Delco Electronics, Jensen, Kenwood, Panasonic, Pioneer, Sanyo and Visteon. For owners wanting to retrofit their existing cars there will be two options costing under US$199. One will be replacing the existing car radio with a Sirius Radio system; the other would be buying an adapter that will bring the satellite signal into your current radio via the FM input.

Sirius Satellite Radio and competitor XM Radio were granted licenses by the

Federal Communications Commission in 1997 for digital satellite radio broadcasting systems. XM Radio tentatively

plans to launch its first satellite aboard a Sea Launch Zenit 3SL rocket around the end of December.

SPACEandTECH Digest is a weekly roundup of the latest industry news of interest to the space professional. SPACEandTECH Flash! is an internet push service offered by Andrews Space & Technology to bring the latest on orders, launches, and important breaking news to your desktop. SPACEandTECH Digest and SPACEandTECH Flash! are part of the Andrews Space & Technology www.spaceandtech.com website, a website designed to serve the information needs of the space industry.

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November 30, 2000