Space is about to get a little more crowded, and as a result your SIRIUS reception may be all the better. That's according to SIRIUS Satellite Radio and the satellite builder Loral. Construction of the new satellite is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2008. The satellite will be launched into a geostationary orbit to complement SIRIUS' existing three satellites, which were also manufactured by Space Systems/Loral and operate in a highly elliptical geosynchronous orbit. This unique hybrid constellation will hopefully provide unparalleled redundancy, enhanced coverage and exceptional performance.
Technical details on how reception will improve, what the satellite's planned footprint will be and what additional features might be supported by the new stationary platform are light so far. According to SpaceToday, the SIRIUS FM-5 satellite is a "high-power" 130-series spacecraft, able to generate over 20 kilowatts of power and will be equipped with a number of advanced technologies, including an unfurl-able 9-meter antenna. Rumor has it that the additional bandwidth and capability may be planned for use in streaming video delivery.[via PRNewswire]
