SpaceX successfully deployed SiriusXM's SXM-11 communications satellite into orbit late Sunday at 10:25 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The launch utilized Falcon 9 first-stage booster B1085 on its 17th flight, which landed successfully after liftoff. The multi-ton satellite is designed to replace two aging SiriusXM spacecraft currently operating in geostationary Earth orbit approximately 35,786 kilometers above Earth. SpaceX has established itself as the world's leading commercial launch provider through its reusable booster technology, which reduces costs while maintaining high mission success rates for commercial, government, and scientific customers.
Booster B1085 Completes 17th Flight Mission
The Falcon 9 first-stage booster B1085 has become one of SpaceX's most experienced rockets. Its previous missions included NASA's Crew-9 astronaut mission, the US Space Force's RRT-1 mission, Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost Mission 1 lunar lander, the Fram2 mission, SiriusXM's SXM-10 satellite launch, Europe's MTG-S1 weather satellite, EchoStar XXV, and nine Starlink missions. The booster lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 10:25 p.m. EDT (0225 UTC) and landed successfully after completing its 17th flight.
SXM-11 Satellite Replaces Aging Geostationary Spacecraft
The SXM-11 satellite will take over broadcasting responsibilities from two older SiriusXM spacecraft stationed in geostationary orbit approximately 35,786 kilometers above Earth. Operating in this orbit allows satellites to remain fixed relative to the Earth's surface, providing uninterrupted radio coverage across North America.
SpaceX Stock Closes at $153 Following June 12 IPO
SpaceX officially debuted on the Nasdaq on June 12 under the ticker symbol SPCX in what became the largest IPO in history. The company raised approximately $75 billion and received an initial valuation of roughly $1.75 trillion. After initially surging above $225 shortly after listing, the stock pulled back. At the end of last week, SpaceX stock closed at approximately $153 per share, remaining above its IPO offering price but below its post-listing highs.
FAQ
What satellite did SpaceX launch late Sunday?
SpaceX launched SiriusXM's SXM-11 communications satellite late Sunday at 10:25 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using Falcon 9 booster B1085 on its 17th flight. The satellite is designed to replace two aging SiriusXM spacecraft in geostationary orbit approximately 35,786 kilometers above Earth.
How did SpaceX stock perform after its June 12 IPO?
SpaceX debuted on the Nasdaq on June 12 under ticker SPCX, raising approximately $75 billion with an initial valuation of roughly $1.75 trillion. The stock initially surged above $225 after listing but pulled back to close at approximately $153 per share at the end of last week, remaining above its IPO offering price.
