Nationwide Digital-Quality Radio Programming XM-3 and XM-4

XM-3 and XM-4 are the next-generation Boeing-built spacecraft that support the XM Satellite Radio Inc. digital audio radio programming service. XM Satellite Radio provides more than 130 channels of digital-quality music, sports, traffic and talk radio programming to subscribers throughout the continental United States, via a fleet of geostationary satellites and a network of ground relays.

The XM-3 and XM-4 satellites, dubbed "Rhythm and Blues," are among the most powerful ordered to date. Each satellite was designed to generate about 18 kilowatts of power at the start of service and about 15.5 kilowatts at the end of their 15-year design life. To generate such high power, each spacecraft's two solar wings employ six panels each of advanced triple-junction gallium arsenide solar cells. The Boeing 702 carries the xenon ion propulsion system (XIPS) for all on-orbit maneuvering.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, XM Satellite Radio is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sirius XM Radio, Inc. and broadcasts live daily from studios in Los Angeles, Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans, Houston, Daytona, and Orlando - putting XM Satellite Radio listeners in touch with the centers of music, entertainment and information across America, including 69 channels of commercial-free music, from heavy metal and hip hop to country, dance, jazz, Latin, classical and beyond; and more than 65 channels of premiere sports, traffic, talk, comedy, kid's and entertainment programming. XM-3 and XM-4 give subscribers a unique listening experience from coast-to-coast in the United States. The service can be used in cars, trucks, RVs, homes, offices, stores, and even outdoors. Boaters around the country, and up to 200 miles offshore, can also hear XM Satellite Radio.

The "Rhythm and Blues" satellites were designed and manufactured by Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems at the Satellite Development Center. Located in El Segundo, Calif., the Satellite Development Center encompasses approximately 1 million square feet. The state-of-the-art facility is the largest dedicated satellite factory in the world.