Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications, has been awarded a contract from Sirius Satellite Radio to build Sirius FM-6, a high-power satellite designed to operate in a highly inclined elliptical orbit (HIEO), the companies announced Aug. 2.

Sirius FM-6 will carry an X-band uplink and an S-band downlink payload to provide nearly double the power of the satellites in Sirius’ existing, in-orbit constellation. Scheduled for completion in 2010, it will be designed to provide more than 15 years of service life. Sirius has not yet identified a launch provider.

Sirius FM-6 will make the sixth SS/L-built spacecraft in the Sirius fleet, which consists three in-orbit satellites and one ground spare currently in storage. A fifth satellite is currently under construction at SS/L and will provide enhanced performance and additional sparing capabilities from a geosynchronous orbit when it is launched in late 2008.

Sirius FM-6 marks SS/L’s fourth awarded commercial satellite construction contract of 2007.