[Satellite TODAY 09-10-09] Sirius XM Radio’s newest satellite, Sirius FM-5 has been placed into service on its radio network, the company announced Sept. 9.
    The satellite was launched June 30 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan aboard an International Launch Services (ILS) Proton rocket.
    Sirius FM-5, a geostationary spacecraft manufactured by Space Systems/Loral as part of a three-satellite constellation, aims to provide improved signal penetration and reception from the 96 degrees West longitude slot. Sirius FM-5 is designed to provide more focused power in areas of peak population, such as metropolitan areas on the east and west coast, as well as significantly improving reception when driving under heavy foliage.

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