State-of-the-Art Nationwide Radio Programming

Hughes Space and Communications International, Inc., now Satellite Development Center, and XM Satellite Radio Inc. (XM^TM) signed a contract March 23, 1998, for two 702 model satellites, named "Rock" and "Roll". These satellites are designed to provide state-of-the-art digital audio radio programming directly to cars, homes and portable radios coast to coast. The contract, amended in June 1998, calls for Boeing to deliver the high-power satellites in geosynchronous orbit, using the Sea Launch vehicle. XM also has ordered long-lead parts for a spare satellite.

Together, the two XM spacecraft will deliver up to 100 channels of crystal-clear, digital-quality music, news and information to cars, homes and other listening environments equipped with a small antenna. XM-capable radios and audio systems will be marketed by Alpine Electronics, Inc., Delphi Delco, Pioneer Electronics Corporation and the Sharp Corporation.

These satellites are among the most powerful ordered to date. Each is designed to provide 18 kilowatts of total power at beginning of life. To generate such high power, the two solar wings employ five panels each of high-efficiency, dual-junction gallium arsenide solar cells. To provide 15 years' service, the Boeing 702 carries the flight-proven xenon ion propulsion system (XIPS) for all on-orbit maneuvering. Alcatel Espace of Toulouse, France, will provide the high-power, S-band, Digital Audio Radio Service payload.

Stowed (left); In Orbit (right)

XM is one of only two companies licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to provide Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service in the United States. It is a privately held company owned by American Mobile Satellite Corporation. Its strategic partners include Clear Channel Communications, Inc.; DIRECTV, Inc.; the General Motors Corporation; Columbia Capital; Telcom Ventures LLC; and Madison Dearborn Partners. American Mobile owns and operates an integrated terrestrial/satellite network and provides a wide range of mobile communications services, including digital voice dispatch, data communications, dual-mode mobile messaging, position reporting services and satellite telephone.

The XM satellites were built in the Los Angeles-area factory of Satellite Development Center, the world's leading manufacturer of commercial communications satellites. Boeing also supplies spacecraft for communications and space exploration to the U.S. government, and builds weather satellites for the United States and Japan.