Sirius FM 6 Satellite. Photo: ILS

[Via Satellite 10-24-13] After being postponed for a week, International Launch Services (ILS) is moving forward with the Sirius FM 6 satellite launch on Oct. 25, 2013. The original liftoff date was set for Oct. 20, 2013 but was postponed due to issues with the satellite ground station network required for the launch and early orbital operations of the spacecraft.

The Sirius FM 6 satellite, built by Space Systems/Loral (SSL) using its SSL 1300 platform, is a high-power geostationary satellite for SiriusXM, a U.S.-based satellite radio broadcaster. The satellite will be located at 116.15 degrees west and will help with the delivery of services to the company’s more than 25 million subscribers and vehicles with navigational systems. Sirius FM-6 will ensure SiriusXM’s array of audio and data services are received by vehicles, mobile devices and home receivers and will play an important role in bolstering the continuity of service during its expected 15-year service life.

Before the original launch, SSL and SiriusXM denermined, as a precautionary measure, that additional time was needed to evaluate issues related to required remote satellite ground stations. The Proton Launch Vehicle and Sirius FM 6 satellite remain in a safe configuration with no technical issues at the launch site.

Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center (Khrunichev) and International Launch Services (ILS) plan to make another attempt at 12:08 a.m. Baikonur time on Oct. 26 (2:08 pm EDT on Oct. 25). This will be the sixth SiriusXM Satellite Launched on ILS Proton.

Via Satellite will bring you the LIVE broadcast of the Sirius FM 6 launch starting at 1:45 p.m. EDT (5:45 p.m. GMT) on Oct. 25, 2013.