SiriusXM Seeks to Replace Part of Its Constellation

SiriusXM plans to replace two satellites in its five-satellite satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) constellation over the next two years. In FCC International Bureau applications Monday (see here and here), the company said it hopes to launch SXM-7 in late 2019, becoming operational in early 2020, and to launch SXM-8 in mid-2020. SXM-7 would replace XM-3 at 85.15 degrees west, and SXM-8 would replace XM-4 at 115.25 degrees west. The satellite radio service wants authority to do in-orbit testing of each satellite at 120 degrees west before drifting them to their orbital slots. The satellites would also be equipped with a test beam payload with a coverage area outside the company's SDARS service area, with those payloads used to test new waveforms and ground user terminals. XM-3 and XM-4 would remain in their current orbital locations as spares until retired or relocated. The company's constellation also includes FM-5 at 86.15 degrees west, FM-6 at 116.15 degrees west and XM-5, an in-orbit spare at 85.15 degrees west.