New York – October 11, 2026 -- SiriusXM's SXM-11 satellite, the most powerful in its high-powered fleet, entered operational service after in-orbit testing and handover by builder Intuitive Machines. It replaces XM-5 and covers an estimated eight million square miles.
SXM-11 is the 15th satellite launched for Sirius, XM and SiriusXM. It is part of the company's ongoing fleet-refresh program. SXM-9 and SXM-10 began service in 2025, and SXM-12 is scheduled for launch in 2027.
SXM-11 serves 210 million equipped vehicles across North America
An estimated 210 million SiriusXM-equipped vehicles in North America rely on the company's proprietary satellite infrastructure. SiriusXM says the new satellite is designed to improve signal reception, expand Alaska coverage and support reliable service across the continent.
Chief Product and Technology Officer Sean Gibbons said the satellite reinforces the long-term resilience of the network and extends coverage to areas where cellular service may be limited. He said SiriusXM with 360L combines that reach with the personalization and interactivity of streaming.
Falcon 9 launch on June 28 preceded commissioning with Intuitive Machines
SXM-11 launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 10:25 p.m. ET on June 28. SiriusXM and Intuitive Machines then completed the commissioning and testing needed to verify that the spacecraft and its communications systems were ready for service.
Intuitive Machines IM 1300 platform carries a 30-foot antenna
The satellite is built on the Intuitive Machines IM 1300 platform and weighed more than 15,000 pounds (nearly 6,950 kilograms) at launch. Nearly 60% of that weight was fuel for the journey and in-orbit operations.
SXM-11 stands 28 feet tall and spans more than 106 feet with its solar panels deployed. It orbits 22,000 miles above Earth. Its unfurlable 30-foot (9-meter) main beam antenna broadcasts audio and data to users on the ground.
The satellite also carries an additional communications payload that will deliver expanded WCS-band coverage. SiriusXM's satellite-delivered Marine and Aviation services provide weather data and other information to pilots and boaters.
Intuitive Machines President Chris Johnson said the two companies have built 13 spacecraft together over the course of their partnership.