Space Systems/Loral.

Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) has been awarded a contract from SIRIUS Satellite Radio to build SIRIUS FM-6, a new, high-power satellite designed to operate in a highly inclined elliptical orbit (HIEO). This satellite will be the sixth SS/L-built spacecraft in the SIRIUS fleet. SIRIUS FM-6 will provide nearly double the ,power of the satellites in SIRIUS existing, in-orbit constellation, continuing to improve service for SIRIUS subscribers. Scheduled for completion in 2010, the new satellite will provide more than 15 years of service life. SIRIUS FM-6 will carry an X-band uplink and an S-band downlink payload and will feature almost 20 kilowatts end-of-life power. SS/L built the existing fleet of satellites for SIRIUS, consisting of 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 is SS/L's fourth commercial satellite construction contract award in 2007.