# XM-1

> decommissioned satellite radio communications satellite operated by SiriusXM

**Wikidata**: [Q18327686](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18327686)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/xm-1

## Summary
XM-1 was a decommissioned satellite radio communications satellite operated by SiriusXM. Launched in 2001, it was part of the company's early satellite radio infrastructure before being retired in 2006 and decommissioned in 2016.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Communications satellite
- **Operator**: SiriusXM
- **Launch Date**: May 8, 2001, at 22:10:29 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Zenit-3SL (Flight 9)
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Mass**: 4,682 kg (launch weight), 2,746 kg (dry weight)
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Boeing 702
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2), R-4D, XIPS-25 (4)
- **Manufacturer**: Boeing Satellite Development Center
- **Decommissioning**: Moved to graveyard orbit on March 18, 2016
- **Service Life**: 14.8 years (actual), 15 years (design life)

## FAQs
### Q: What was XM-1 used for?
A: XM-1 was a satellite radio communications satellite operated by SiriusXM, providing early satellite-based radio broadcasting services.

### Q: When was XM-1 launched?
A: XM-1 was launched on May 8, 2001, at 22:10:29 UTC from the Odyssey launch platform.

### Q: How long did XM-1 operate?
A: XM-1 operated for approximately 14.8 years before being decommissioned in 2016.

### Q: What type of orbit did XM-1 use?
A: XM-1 was placed in a geostationary orbit, which is commonly used for communications satellites.

### Q: Who manufactured XM-1?
A: XM-1 was manufactured by the Boeing Satellite Development Center.

## Why It Matters
XM-1 played a pivotal role in the early development of satellite radio broadcasting, providing a key component of SiriusXM's infrastructure. Its decommissioning marked the end of an era for early satellite radio technology, which later evolved into more advanced systems. The satellite's successful operation demonstrated the feasibility of delivering high-quality radio content via satellite, influencing the broader adoption of satellite communications in media distribution.

## Notable For
- **First Commercial Satellite Radio**: One of the first satellites dedicated to commercial satellite radio broadcasting.
- **Boeing 702 Bus**: Utilized Boeing's 702 spacecraft bus, a common design for communications satellites.
- **Zenit-3SL Launch**: Launched aboard the Zenit-3SL rocket, a specialized vehicle for satellite deployments.
- **Graveyard Orbit**: Moved to a graveyard orbit in 2016, following responsible satellite disposal practices.
- **SiriusXM Legacy**: Part of SiriusXM's early satellite fleet, contributing to the company's growth in the satellite radio industry.

## Body
### Overview
XM-1 was a communications satellite operated by SiriusXM, launched to support the company's satellite radio services. It was part of the early generation of satellites designed to deliver radio programming directly to subscribers via satellite.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: The satellite had a launch mass of 4,682 kg and a dry mass of 2,746 kg.
- **Power**: XM-1 was powered by a spacecraft solar array (2 units), an R-4D, and XIPS-25 (4 units).
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Built on the Boeing 702 bus, a standardized design for communications satellites.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: May 8, 2001, at 22:10:29 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Zenit-3SL, flight number 9, from the Odyssey launch platform.
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit, ensuring continuous coverage over a fixed region.

### Operational History
- **Service Life**: Designed for 15 years, XM-1 operated for 14.8 years before retirement.
- **Retirement**: Officially retired on December 15, 2006, as part of SiriusXM's fleet upgrades.
- **Decommissioning**: Moved to a graveyard orbit on March 18, 2016, to prevent space debris.

### Significance
XM-1 was a foundational satellite in the development of satellite radio, demonstrating the feasibility of delivering high-quality audio content via satellite. Its decommissioning marked the end of an era for early satellite radio technology, which later evolved into more advanced systems. The satellite's successful operation contributed to the growth of SiriusXM as a leader in the satellite radio industry.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/xm-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://fcc.report/IBFS/SAT-STA-20151006-00069/1130731.pdf)
4. [Source](https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=26761)