Sirius Satellite Radio Delivery Delayed 8 Months

Sirius Satellite Radio’s spare satellite, Sirius Radio 4, will be available for ground storage delivery in August 2001 (The satellite was originally scheduled for a December 2000 delivery.). The satellite was damaged at Space Systems/Loral's manufacturing facility. Testing of the satellite has been completed and construction has resumed. Reportedly the satellite was dropped from a roll-over device and bounced several times. It is believed that a technician forgot to tighten a clamp band on the stand before tilting the satellite over. If problems develop with Sirius Radio 3, and Sirius Radio 4 is needed for deployment, it would likely be launched in the fourth quarter of 2001.
  

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