Spectacular SpaceX Midnight Launch Blasts SXM-10 into Orbit—SiriusXM’s Future Just Got Brighter
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket propels SXM-10 to new heights for SiriusXM, marking a record-setting year in commercial space launches.
- 69: SpaceX Falcon 9 launches in 2025 alone
- 14,100 lbs: Weight of the new SXM-10 broadcasting satellite
- 8x: Number of missions flown by this reusable rocket booster
- 51 out of 69: Falcon 9 launches dedicated to Starlink in 2025
SpaceX ignited the night sky just after midnight Saturday, June 7, as its Falcon 9 rocket thundered off the pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Onboard: SiriusXM’s SXM-10, a powerful communications satellite destined to expand the reach and reliability of satellite radio across North America.
In a flawless sequence, Falcon 9’s first stage soared through the clouds, then elegantly returned from the edge of space. Within 8.5 minutes, it executed a precision landing on the company’s Atlantic-based droneship, humorously dubbed “A Shortfall of Gravitas.” This particular booster is no stranger to re-use—Saturday marked its eighth triumphant voyage, solidifying SpaceX’s reusability leadership in orbital launches.
What Makes the SXM-10 Satellite Launch So Important?
SXM-10, constructed by Maxar Technologies, tips the scales at an impressive 14,100 pounds (6,400 kilograms). After detaching from Falcon 9’s upper stage, it’s now maneuvering toward its final orbit high above Earth. There, it will join SiriusXM’s cutting-edge broadcasting constellation, bolstering seamless satellite radio coverage for millions of listeners.
This marks SiriusXM’s second major upgrade in six months—following December’s successful deployment of SXM-9—a signal that the company is doubling down on its space-based future.
How Did the Falcon 9 Booster Make Spaceflight Look Routine?
SpaceX’s booster that launched SXM-10 has an illustrious past. Its previous missions include carrying two astronaut teams (Crew-9 and Fram2), plus a historic moon-bound flight in January that sent Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost and ispace’s Resilience landers lunar-bound. Blue Ghost triumphed on March 2, touching down on the Moon’s surface. Resilience’s landing, however, ended in a crash just days ago, on June 5.
The relentless march of SpaceX’s reusable technology is shattering records. Out of the extraordinary 69 Falcon 9 launches so far in 2025, 51 have powered the rapid expansion of the company’s Starlink broadband swarm in low Earth orbit.
Q&A: What’s Next for SiriusXM’s Satellite Fleet?
Q: How will SXM-10 benefit SiriusXM’s customers?
– SXM-10 enhances SiriusXM’s signal strength and service redundancy, keeping listeners tuned in—even in remote places.
Q: How long will SXM-10 operate?
– Maxar designs its satellites for over 15 years of continuous broadcasting, promising long-term reliability.
Q: How does this fit into global space trends?
– Commercial space launches are accelerating in 2025 as companies race to modernize global connectivity and communications.
How to Track SpaceX’s Next Big Launch
Want to catch another rocket live? Visit NASA’s website for schedules, or check straight with SpaceX for real-time updates, launch streams, and mission stats.
Ready for More Space News?
Stay tuned as SpaceX continues to redefine what’s possible in commercial spaceflight—and SiriusXM brings you uninterrupted audio, straight from orbit.
SpaceX & SiriusXM Launch Checklist:
- Catch live Falcon 9 launches online or at Cape Canaveral
- Follow mission updates from SpaceX and SiriusXM
- Learn about satellite tech at Maxar Technologies
- Sign up for alerts on new satellite launches and skywatching events
