Launch of SiriusXM Satellite Delayed by Solar Array Concerns

摘要

The planned March 6 launch of the SiriusXM FM-6 digital radio satellite aboard an International Launch Services (ILS) Proton rocket has been scrapped following concerns of a solar array defect aboard the Space Systems/Loral-built satellite, according to industry officials. FM-6 is remaining at Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at least for now, and Loral officials hope to perform whatever verifications are needed without bringing it back to the Palo Alto, Calif., production facility, Space Systems/Loral President John Celli said Feb. 28.