# Sirius FM-3

> decommissioned communications satellite operated by SiriusXM

**Wikidata**: [Q7530382](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7530382)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius_FM-3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sirius-fm-3

## Summary
Sirius FM-3 was a decommissioned communications satellite operated by SiriusXM, launched in 2000 to provide satellite radio services. It was part of the Sirius Satellite Radio constellation and played a key role in delivering digital audio broadcasting to North America before being decommissioned in 2016.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: November 30, 2000, at 19:59:47 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23.
- **Operator**: Initially operated by Sirius Satellite Radio (2000–2008), then by Sirius XM (2008–2016).
- **Mass**: 3,800 kg at launch.
- **Manufacturer**: Built by Lanteris Space Systems using the Lanteris 1300 spacecraft bus.
- **Orbit**: Placed in a Tundra orbit to support satellite radio communications.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-K rocket (serial number 402-02) with a Blok DM-2M upper stage.
- **Power Source**: Equipped with two spacecraft solar arrays.
- **Decommissioned**: 2016, marking the end of its operational life.
- **Aliases**: Also known as Radiosat 3 and Sirius CD Radio 3.
- **Predecessor/Successor**: Followed Sirius FM-2 and was succeeded by Sirius FM-5.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Sirius FM-3?
A: Sirius FM-3 was a communications satellite designed to provide satellite radio services, specifically digital audio broadcasting, as part of the SiriusXM network.

### Q: When was Sirius FM-3 launched and decommissioned?
A: It was launched on November 30, 2000, and decommissioned in 2016 after 16 years of service.

### Q: Who operated Sirius FM-3?
A: It was initially operated by Sirius Satellite Radio (2000–2008) and later by Sirius XM (2008–2016).

### Q: What rocket launched Sirius FM-3?
A: It was launched using a Proton-K rocket with a Blok DM-2M upper stage from Baikonur Cosmodrome.

### Q: What orbit did Sirius FM-3 use?
A: It operated in a Tundra orbit, optimized for high-latitude coverage over North America.

## Why It Matters
Sirius FM-3 was a critical component of the early satellite radio infrastructure, enabling SiriusXM to deliver high-quality, uninterrupted digital audio broadcasting across North America. As part of the first generation of Sirius satellites, it helped pioneer the commercial satellite radio industry, offering subscribers access to a wide range of music, news, and entertainment channels without reliance on terrestrial radio towers. Its decommissioning in 2016 marked the end of an era for early satellite radio technology, paving the way for more advanced successors like Sirius FM-5. The satellite also demonstrated the viability of Tundra orbits for communications, influencing later satellite deployments.

## Notable For
- **First-Generation Satellite**: One of the original satellites in the SiriusXM constellation, helping establish commercial satellite radio.
- **High Mass**: Weighed 3,800 kg at launch, making it a substantial communications satellite for its time.
- **Tundra Orbit**: Operated in a highly elliptical Tundra orbit, optimizing coverage for North American audiences.
- **Long Operational Life**: Served for 16 years before decommissioning in 2016.
- **Transition in Ownership**: Operated by two entities—Sirius Satellite Radio and later Sirius XM—reflecting the merger of satellite radio providers.

## Body
### Overview
Sirius FM-3 was a communications satellite designed for digital audio broadcasting, operated by SiriusXM. It was part of a constellation of satellites providing satellite radio services to North America.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: November 30, 2000, at 19:59:47 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23 in Kazakhstan.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-K rocket (serial number 402-02) with a Blok DM-2M upper stage.
- **Orbit**: Placed in a Tundra orbit, characterized by high ellipticity and inclination, to maximize coverage over North America.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 3,800 kg at launch.
- **Manufacturer**: Lanteris Space Systems, using the Lanteris 1300 spacecraft bus.
- **Power Source**: Two spacecraft solar arrays.
- **Aliases**: Also referred to as Radiosat 3 and Sirius CD Radio 3.

### Operational History
- **Initial Operator**: Sirius Satellite Radio (2000–2008).
- **Later Operator**: Sirius XM (2008–2016), following the merger of Sirius and XM Satellite Radio.
- **Decommissioning**: Officially decommissioned in 2016 after 16 years of service.

### Role in Satellite Radio
Sirius FM-3 was part of the first generation of satellites that enabled SiriusXM to offer subscription-based satellite radio services. It contributed to the expansion of digital audio broadcasting, providing listeners with access to a diverse range of channels without the limitations of terrestrial radio.

### Successors
Sirius FM-3 was succeeded by Sirius FM-5, which continued to support the SiriusXM network with improved technology and capabilities.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Sirius FM-3",
  "description": "Decommissioned communications satellite operated by SiriusXM, launched in 2000 to provide satellite radio services.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2884355",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius_FM-3"
  ],
  "additionalType": "CommunicationsSatellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/sirius-cdr.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://seekingalpha.com/filing/3381845)