SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying the SXM-11 communications satellite for SiriusXM on June 28, 2026, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Launch Details
- Time: The launch occurred at 10:25 p.m. EDT (0225 GMT on June 29), within a nearly four-hour window that opened at 10:25 p.m. EDT.
- Location: Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
- Weather: The 45th Weather Squadron forecasted an 80% chance of favorable weather at the opening of the window, improving to 90% later, with potential interference from cumulus and anvil clouds.
- Rocket: A Falcon 9 rocket was used. The first-stage booster, tail number B1085, flew for the 17th time.
- Payload: The payload was the SXM-11 satellite, weighing approximately 15,000 pounds (7.5 tons or about 7,000 kg).
Booster Landing
Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9 first stage landed on the autonomous droneship "A Shortfall of Gravitas," stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
Satellite Operations
- Deployment: The SXM-11 satellite was deployed from the rocket's upper stage approximately 34.5 minutes after liftoff.
- Orbit: The satellite was placed into an elliptical geosynchronous transfer orbit. It is planned to circularize its orbit to join SiriusXM's fleet.
Satellite Specifications
SXM-11 was built by Lanteris Space Systems, a subsidiary of Intuitive Machines (which acquired former Maxar Space Systems in January 2026). The satellite is based on the IM-1300 bus.
- Dimensions: The satellite stands approximately 230 feet (70.1 meters) tall and spans 106 feet (32.3 meters) with solar panels deployed.
- Mass: About 60% of its mass is fuel.
- Fleet Role: According to SiriusXM, SXM-11 is the most powerful high-powered satellite in its fleet, intended to enhance signal reception, expand coverage in Alaska, and deliver audio services across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.
- Replacement: SXM-11 and its twin satellite, SXM-12, are designed to replace aging satellites XM-5 (launched in 2010) and Sirius FM-5 (launched in 2009).
Context
This was the fourth SiriusXM satellite launched by SpaceX, following SXM-8 (June 2021), SXM-9 (December 2024), and SXM-10 (June 2025). The previous satellite, SXM-10, is estimated to remain in service until 2040. As of this launch, SpaceX has conducted 76 Falcon 9 missions in 2026, with nearly 80% dedicated to Starlink.