26626 - SIRIUS-3

SIRIUS 3 (also known as SD-RADIO 3) is an American geosynchronous radio satellite that was launched by a Proton-K rocket from Baikonur at 19:59 UT on 2000 Nov 30. The 3.9-ton satellite carries 100 channels in the 2.320-2.325 GHz band to relay music, news, and entertainment directly to motorists in America. There are also 90 dedicated ground-based relay stations in dense urban areas that will rebroadcast the signals. This launch completed the planned fleet of three satellites which became operational in January 2001. Reception requires installation of a special radio, or purchase of one of the upscale automobiles pre-equipped with the receiver. The geosynchronous orbit of SIRIUS 3 has a high inclination of 63.3 degrees (same as SIRIUS 1 and SIRIUS 2).

Alternate Names

SD-RADIO 3

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 2000-11-30
Launch Vehicle: Proton-K
Launch Site: Tyuratam (Baikonur Cosmodrome), Kazakhstan