XM Satellite Radio and Sea Launch announced the Oct. 30 launch of the XM-4 satellite. Early data indicate the spacecraft is accurately positioned and in excellent condition.

XM-4, built by the Boeing Satellite Development Center, carries a high-power S-band digital audio radio service payload provided by Alcatel Alenia Space. The spacecraft will be located at 115 degrees West, replacing two co-located XM satellites that suffer from power problems.