New satellite launch reveals Sirius is not dead

by Stevie Smith - Jul 1 2009, 15:15

Sirius Satellite Radio has this week moved to extend the reach of its broadcasting network following the launch of a new Sirius FM5 satellite, which blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Tuesday.

Heading for a high-altitude transfer orbit more than 22,000 miles above the planet, the 12,831-pound satellite successfully left its launch pad aboard a three-stage, six engine Proton-M rocket at approximately 19:10 GMT.

News of the launch comes as rumours circulate regarding the future – or lack thereof – of satellite radio as a medium and of existing providers such as Sirius.

According to the Vancouver Sun, merged outfit Sirius XM has been unable to post a profitable year since 2001 and is some $3.25 billion USD in debt.

An American company, Sirius XM is a provider of commercial-free satellite music channels, along with premier sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather information to around 18 million listeners.

The Tech Herald: BBC and ITV launch free satellite TV service

The Tech Herald: NASA reveals protective solar winds are weakening

 

Want regular updates from The Tech Herald? Follow us on Twitter.

Interested in a more interactive TTH? Join our Facebook Group.

Around the Web