SiriusXM’s latest satellite, SXM-11, has entered service after launching in June. It is now the satellite radio company’s most powerful satellite in its fleet.
Intuitive Machines built the satellite based on its IM 1300 platform as the 13th spacecraft the company has built for SiriusXM. It will replace SXM-5 will replace XM-5, which launched in 2009 and is part of SiriusXM’s ongoing satellite fleet-refresh program.
SXM-11 is designed to improve signal reception, expand Alaska coverage, and support service across North America. It also includes an additional communications payload that will be used to deliver expanded wireless communications service (WCS)-band coverage to support SiriusXM’s marine and aviation services that provide weather data for pilots and boaters.
“Bringing SXM-11 into service strengthens our next-generation satellite fleet and reinforces the long-term resilience of our network,” said Sean Gibbons, SiriusXM chief product and technology officer. “For listeners, that means a premium in-car experience with broad, reliable coverage, including where cellular service may be limited.”
Other refresh satellites SXM-9 and SXM-10 began service in 2025, and SXM-12 is currently scheduled for launch in 2027.
