SpaceX Launches SiriusXM’s Most Powerful Satellite on Falcon 9

SpaceX successfully launched SiriusXM's new SXM-11 communications satellite into orbit on June 28 from Cape Canaveral, continuing the company's busy commercial launch schedule in 2026.

The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off during a four-hour launch window that opened at 10:25 p.m. EDT on June 28 (2:25 a.m. UTC on June 29). The mission carried the 15,000-pound (approximately 7.5-ton) SXM-11 satellite toward a geosynchronous transfer orbit. According to Spaceflight Now, the satellite was scheduled to separate from the rocket around 30 minutes after launch.

SXM-11 to Replace Older SiriusXM Satellites

The SXM-11 satellite is part of SiriusXM's ongoing effort to modernize its satellite network. It will replace two older satellites, XM-5, launched in 2010, and Sirius FM-5, launched in 2009.

The spacecraft was built by Lanteris Space Systems, a subsidiary of Texas-based Intuitive Machines. It is based on the IM-1300 satellite platform and measures about 230 feet in height, with solar panels extending up to 106 feet when fully deployed.

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SiriusXM Calls SXM-11 Its Most Powerful Satellite

According to SiriusXM's official statement reported by Spaceflight Now, SXM-11 is the most powerful high-powered satellite in the company's fleet. The satellite is expected to improve signal reception, expand service coverage in Alaska, and strengthen the delivery of audio entertainment and information services across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.

Falcon 9 Booster Completes Its 17th Flight

The Falcon 9 first-stage booster used for the mission, identified as B1085, completed its 17th flight. The reusable booster had previously supported several major missions, including NASA's Crew-9 mission, launches for the U.S. Space Force, Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost, and nine Starlink missions.

After liftoff, the booster was scheduled to land approximately 8.5 minutes later on the SpaceX drone ship "A Shortfall of Gravitas", positioned in the Atlantic Ocean.

Intuitive Machines Expands Satellite Manufacturing

In January 2026, Intuitive Machines acquired Lanteris Space Systems, formerly known as Maxar Space Systems, in a deal valued at approximately $800 million. The acquisition strengthened the company's satellite manufacturing capabilities.

The previous satellite in this series, SXM-10, was launched in June 2025 and is expected to remain operational until 2040, according to SiriusXM's financial disclosure filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

SpaceX Maintains High Launch Activity in 2026

The successful SXM-11 mission adds to SpaceX's rapid launch pace this year. By the middle of June, the company had already completed nine launches during the month, highlighting its ability to support a steady stream of commercial and government space missions.