SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 SXM-8
Falcon 9 Block 5
Status
Success
Date
6 JUN 2021
04:26
Mission Overview
SXM-8 is a large high power broadcasting satellite for SiriusXM's digital audio radio service (DARS). Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) got in July 2016 the contract to build the two satellites based on their SSL-1300 bus - SXM-7 and SXM-8. Satellite design operates in the S-band spectrum. Each satellite will generate more than 20-kW of power and will have a large unfurlable antenna reflector, which enables broadcast to radios without the need for large dish-type antennas on the ground. SXM-8 is meant to replace the XM-4 satellite. SXM-7 was meant to replace the XM-3, but suffered a failure in orbit 6 weeks after its launch.
Rocket
Falcon 9 Block 5
Mission Type
Communications
Orbit
Geostationary Transfer Orbit
Stages
2
Livestream
Rocket Details
Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of satellites and the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. The Block 5 variant is the fifth major interval aimed at improving upon the ability for rapid reusability.
Height
70 m
Diameter
3.65 m
Launch Mass
549 T
Thrust
7,607 kN