# SXM-8

> satellite radio communications satellite operated by SiriusXM

**Wikidata**: [Q107629312](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107629312)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SXM-8)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sxm-8

## Summary
SXM-8 is a satellite radio communications satellite operated by SiriusXM, launched on June 6, 2021. It is part of the company's fleet of geostationary satellites designed to provide high-quality radio and music streaming services to subscribers. The satellite was built by Maxar Technologies and entered service on July 29, 2021.

## Key Facts
- **Operator**: SiriusXM
- **Launch Date**: June 6, 2021, at 04:26 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40
- **Launch Vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1061.3)
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Mass**: Approximately 7,000 kilograms
- **Height**: 8.3 meters
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2), R-4D, SPT-100 (4)
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Lanteris 1300
- **Manufacturer**: Maxar Technologies
- **Service Entry**: July 29, 2021
- **Predecessor**: SXM-7 (failed satellite)
- **Successor**: SXM-9

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of SXM-8?
A: SXM-8 is a communications satellite designed to provide satellite radio services, including music, news, and sports programming, to subscribers of SiriusXM.

### Q: Who operates SXM-8?
A: SXM-8 is operated by SiriusXM, a leading provider of satellite radio services in the United States.

### Q: When was SXM-8 launched?
A: SXM-8 was launched on June 6, 2021, at 04:26 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.

### Q: What is the orbital position of SXM-8?
A: SXM-8 is in a geostationary orbit, which allows it to remain stationary relative to the Earth's surface.

### Q: What is the significance of SXM-8?
A: SXM-8 is part of SiriusXM's fleet of satellites that provide high-quality audio streaming services. Its successful deployment and entry into service helped maintain the company's radio offerings.

## Why It Matters
SXM-8 plays a crucial role in the satellite radio industry by providing reliable and high-quality audio streaming services to millions of subscribers. As part of SiriusXM's geostationary satellite fleet, it ensures continuous coverage and service availability. The satellite's successful launch and integration into the company's network demonstrate advancements in satellite communications technology. Its operation contributes to the expansion of digital media consumption, offering a seamless listening experience for users. The satellite's deployment also highlights the collaboration between Maxar Technologies and SiriusXM, showcasing the capabilities of modern satellite manufacturing and launch systems.

## Notable For
- **First Successful Deployment**: SXM-8 was the first successful satellite in the SiriusXM fleet after the failure of SXM-7.
- **Geostationary Orbit**: Its position in geostationary orbit ensures continuous coverage and service availability.
- **High-Quality Audio**: Provides high-fidelity audio streaming for music, news, and sports programming.
- **Reliable Service**: Maintains SiriusXM's commitment to delivering uninterrupted radio services.
- **Technological Collaboration**: Demonstrates the partnership between Maxar Technologies and SiriusXM in satellite manufacturing and deployment.

## Body
### Overview
SXM-8 is a communications satellite operated by SiriusXM, a leading provider of satellite radio services. It was launched on June 6, 2021, and entered service on July 29, 2021. The satellite is part of SiriusXM's fleet of geostationary satellites designed to deliver high-quality audio streaming services to subscribers.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: Approximately 7,000 kilograms
- **Height**: 8.3 meters
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2), R-4D, SPT-100 (4)
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Lanteris 1300
- **Manufacturer**: Maxar Technologies

### Orbit and Position
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Apoapsis**: 35,803 kilometers
- **Periapsis**: 35,768 kilometers
- **Orbital Period**: 1,436.08 minutes
- **Orbital Inclination**: 0.0224 degrees
- **Orbital Eccentricity**: 0.0004095

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: June 6, 2021, at 04:26 UTC
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40
- **Launch Vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1061.3)

### Service and Operation
- **Service Entry**: July 29, 2021
- **Operator**: SiriusXM
- **Predecessor**: SXM-7 (failed satellite)
- **Successor**: SXM-9

### Significance
SXM-8 is significant for its role in maintaining SiriusXM's satellite radio services. Its successful deployment and integration into the company's network highlight advancements in satellite communications technology. The satellite's operation contributes to the expansion of digital media consumption, offering a seamless listening experience for users.

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "SXM-8",
  "description": "Satellite radio communications satellite operated by SiriusXM",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111713145", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SXM-8"],
  "additionalType": "CommunicationsSatellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/06/sxm8-launch/)
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/sxm-7.htm)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://investor.maxar.com/investor-news/press-release-details/2021/SiriusXMs-New-SXM-8-Satellite-Built-by-Maxar-Completes-In-Orbit-Testing-Now-Ready-for-Service/default.aspx)
5. [Source](https://heavens-above.com/orbit.aspx?satid=48838)
6. [Source](https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/06/06/spacex-delivers-for-siriusxm-with-successful-midnight-hour-launch/)
7. [Source](https://www.space-track.org/#catalog)