# XM-2

> decommissioned satellite radio communications satellite operated by SiriusXM

**Wikidata**: [Q18327685](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18327685)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/xm-2

## Summary
XM-2, also known by aliases such as XM Rock or XM Radio-2, was a decommissioned satellite radio communications satellite. It was operated by Sirius XM and designed for telecommunications, specifically for satellite radio services.

## Key Facts
- XM-2 was a decommissioned communications satellite operated by Sirius XM.
- It was launched on March 18, 2001, at 22:33:30 UTC from the Odyssey launch platform.
- The satellite had a launch mass of 4682 kilograms and a dry mass of 2746 kilograms.
- Its design life was 15 years, but its service life was 13.6 years.
- XM-2 was manufactured by Boeing Satellite Development Center and utilized a Boeing 702 spacecraft bus.
- The satellite was launched into geostationary orbit by a Zenit-3SL expendable carrier rocket.
- It was officially decommissioned and moved to a graveyard orbit on October 28, 2014.

## FAQs
### Q: What was XM-2?
A: XM-2 was a decommissioned satellite radio communications satellite. It was operated by Sirius XM and was designed to provide telecommunications services, specifically for satellite radio.

### Q: When was XM-2 launched and decommissioned?
A: XM-2 was launched on March 18, 2001. It was officially decommissioned and moved to a graveyard orbit on October 28, 2014, after a service life of 13.6 years.

### Q: Who operated XM-2?
A: XM-2 was operated by Sirius XM. It was a satellite radio communications satellite used as part of their network.

### Q: What was the purpose of XM-2?
A: The purpose of XM-2 was to function as a communications satellite for satellite radio services. It was part of the Sirius XM constellation, providing telecommunications capabilities.

## Why It Matters
XM-2 played a crucial role as a communications satellite for Sirius XM, contributing to the establishment and operation of satellite radio services. As one of the satellites in the Sirius XM network, it enabled the transmission of satellite radio content across a wide coverage area. Its successful launch and operation for over a decade were integral to the growth and accessibility of satellite radio, providing a unique form of entertainment and information delivery to subscribers. The decommissioning of XM-2 marks a significant event in its operational lifecycle, reflecting the planned end-of-life for such complex space assets and the continuous evolution of satellite technology and services.

## Notable For
- **Early Satellite Radio Service**: Part of the initial infrastructure for Sirius XM's satellite radio communications.
- **Specific Launch Vehicle**: Launched by a Zenit-3SL expendable carrier rocket from the unique Odyssey platform.
- **Boeing 702 Bus**: Utilized the Boeing 702 spacecraft bus, a common platform for geostationary satellites.
- **Decommissioning to Graveyard Orbit**: Its planned decommissioning to a graveyard orbit on October 28, 2014, demonstrates standard end-of-life procedures for geostationary satellites.

## Body

### Overview
XM-2 is a decommissioned satellite radio communications satellite. It was operated by Sirius XM and is classified as an artificial satellite designed for telecommunications. The satellite is also known by aliases such as XM2, Rock, XM Rock, and XM Radio-2. Its country of origin and operator's country are the United States.

### Technical Specifications
*   **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number):** 26724
*   **COSPAR ID:** 2001-012A
*   **NSSDC ID:** 2001-012A
*   **Mass:**
    *   Launch weight: 4682 kilograms
    *   Dry weight: 2746 kilograms
*   **Spacecraft Bus:** Boeing 702
*   **Manufacturer:** Boeing Satellite Development Center
*   **Power Systems:**
    *   Powered by two spacecraft solar arrays.
    *   Equipped with R-4D thrusters.
    *   Utilizes four XIPS-25 ion propulsion systems.
*   **Call Sign:** S2119
*   **Orbit:** Geostationary orbit

### Launch Details
*   **Launch Date:** March 18, 2001, at 22:33:30 UTC.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** Zenit-3SL (specifically, the 7th launch of this model).
*   **Launch Platform:** Odyssey.
*   **Space Tug:** Blok-DM-SL (DM-SL-5L).

### Operational History
*   **Construction Contract:** A construction contract for the satellite was signed on March 23, 1998.
*   **Rocket Launch:** The rocket launch occurred on March 18, 2001, from the Odyssey platform.
*   **Design Life:** The satellite was designed for a service life of 15 years.
*   **Service Life:** Its actual service life was 13.6 years.
*   **Service Retirement:** XM-2 was retired from active service on December 15, 2006.
*   **Spacecraft Decommissioning:** The satellite was officially decommissioned and moved to a graveyard orbit on October 28, 2014.

## 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-20141017-00109/1066497.pdf)
4. [Source](https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=26724)