XM Radio to get two replacement satellites

The FCC has authorized XM Radio to launch and operate two
replacement satellites, XM-3 (Call Sign S2616 at the 85º W.L.) and XM-4 (Call Sign S2617 at the 115º W.L.).

First, XM proposes to replace its east coast satellite with a
new satellite. Then the old east coast satellite will be moved to the west coast where it will transmit at half capacity, while the old west coast satellite will transmit at half capacity, reducing the output power requirements for both birds.

Then a new west coast satellite will be launched, and the two "old" west coast satellites will go dark and remain in orbit as emergency spares.

The premature degradation of XM's solar panels has led to the satellite replacements. If all goes as planned, XM will complete this tricky replacement program by 2007.

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-05-180A1.pdf

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