Boeing Announces Successful On-Orbit Handover of XM-4 Satellite
The Boeing Company [NYSE:BA] today announced the on-orbit handover of the XM-4 satellite to XM Satellite Radio, Inc.
The successful transfer of the Boeing 702 satellite to XM Satellite Radio follows 44 days of on-orbit testing to ensure the spacecraft is operational. Launched on Oct. 30, the fourth Boeing-built satellite for XM Satellite Radio joins its sister satellite, XM-3, to complete the "Rhythm" and "Blues" satellite duo. "XM-4 has successfully completed all on-orbit testing," said Stephen T. O'Neill, president of Boeing Satellite Systems International, Inc.
"XM-4 is the most powerful digital audio radio spacecraft on orbit, and the completion of these rigorous tests indicates that Boeing and its customer are confident that the satellite is healthy. We are proud to add another successful chapter in our lengthy association with our valued customers at XM Radio."
Boeing built XM-4 at its satellite manufacturing facility in El Segundo, Calif. Encompassing 1 million square feet, the state-of-the-art facility is the largest dedicated satellite factory in the world. Alcatel Alenia Space provided the S-band digital audio radio service payload for XM-4.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing
Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.8 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government, and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer; a foremost developer of advanced concepts and technologies; a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.
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