XM Radio Wants More Time for Relocation, Retirement of XM-1 Satellite

XM Radio is seeking a 180-day extension of the license given for the XM-1 satellite's retirement and relocation plan. In an FCC International Bureau filing Tuesday, XM Radio said its original drift plan -- from 115.25 degrees west to 39 degrees west, set to start in mid-June with orbit-raising maneuvers starting in mid-October -- couldn't be met due to problems with earth stations the company and its affiliates planned to use for fleet management and to free up a tracking antenna. The drift now is scheduled to start Oct. 15, with the two-week orbit-raising maneuvers to start sometime between late February and late April. The original license term was granted in April and expires Nov. 22, with XM Radio asking for an extension to run through May 20.