ILS Wins Sirius XM-5 Launch Contract

[Satellite TODAY 11-11-09] International Launch Services (ILS) received a contract from Sirius XM Radio to launch the XM-5 satellite on an ILS Proton in 2010, ILS announced Nov. 10.
     XM-5, the fifth Sirius XM satellite in the constellation to be launched by an ILS Proton, was built by Space Systems/Loral and is based on the 1300 platform.
     The satellite aims to enhance North American coverage across the existing Sirius XM satellite fleet from its planned location at the 85 degrees West.