The satcaster said this morning that Space Systems/Loral will build a fourth satellite for Sirius. Construction is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2008. Sirius says the new satellite "will be one of the most advanced and powerful communications satellites ever built." The satellite will be launched into a geostationary orbit to complement Sirius' existing three satellites — also built by Space Systems/Loral — and operate in a highly elliptical geosynchronous orbit.

"This investment in next-generation space technology will improve Sirius' already exceptional service experience," said Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin. "Not only will this satellite support our other three satellites currently in orbit, but it will also improve reception for all Sirius subscribers whether they are in their car, office, home or jogging in the park."

— Jeffrey Yorke, R&R Washington Bureau Chief

great news.....truly great news

this is in preperation for the all live portabel devices that they are planning to lauch before Christmas

nice, but if construction is going to be completed by the end of 2008, its kinda a big tease, no?

We won't see the benefits of this new extremely powerful satellite until Q4 2008 when it's finished. That's 2 years out. However, this puppy is over 20,000 Watts of power(that's 10X more power than their current satellites) and it will be geostationary orbit, not figure-8 like the 3 satellites today. When they launch it in Q4 2008, Q1 2009, it will improve reception dramatically. This satellite will be one of the most powerful EVER built!!! It's great news for reception!!

I'm losing the Signal right now- can't wait till 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!

'08!!! Dang trees are messin' up my reception now! hes are they gunna charge more then????

How 'bout a shit-load of ground repeaters in the meantime!!!!

Impressive.

New satellite plus launch alone is well into 8 figures typically.

I'm impressed because the Sirius execs have to sell this financially to many key skeptical people in order to make this happen. I'm sure some argued to postpone this until the stock was doing better.

Clearly, signing Howard and Howard signing bringing more subs than projected made the green light possible for this ballzy but needed decision.

Play 'Taps' on the trumpet for XM.

hurry up and wait ;)

read the comments (http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/12/sirius-launching-another-satellite/#comments) about the satellite, and more importantly the difference between XM and Sirius.

some people certainly are passionate about it.
While I'd never get XM, I think it's a good idea to have the competition.