Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.’s [SIRI] Sirius 2 satellite successfully was launched Sept. 5 aboard a Proton rocket, achieved successful separation about two and a half hours after liftoff and had its solar panels extended.

A spokeswoman of Sirius Radio said the satellite was performing normally and a 45-day testing period has begun.

Liftoff occurred at 5:43 a.m. EDT at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

International Launch Services (ILS) conducted the launch for Space Systems/Loral [LOR], builder of the satellite.

ILS said it was the third successful Proton launch this year, and the 16th successful launch since the ILS joint venture was established to market the Proton internationally in 1995.