Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, reports it has been selected to provide two high power satellites to SiriusXM, the world's largest radio company measured by revenue.

The next generation satellites, SXM-7 and SXM-8, will replace the XM-3 and XM-4 satellites in 2019 and 2020, respectively, and will help ensure continuous and reliable delivery of SiriusXM's audio entertainment and data services to more than 30.6 million subscribers across North America.

"SiriusXM provides an unparalleled variety of audio entertainment for radio listeners in North America," said John Celli, president of SSL.

"We have a long history of working with SiriusXM to develop some of the world's most advanced satellites, which broadcast to cars and radios for the home, office, and mobile devices. We are honored to be selected to build two additional satellites that will reinforce and augment the fleet's capability."

Both SXM-7 and SXM-8 will operate in the S-band spectrum. Each satellite will generate more than 20-kW of power and will have a large unfurlable antenna reflector, which enables broadcast to radios without the need for large dish-type antennas on the ground.

SSL has previously built a total of seven satellites for SiriusXM, including its first generation Sirius satellites, which were launched in 2000. Of the seven satellites built, one was a ground spare that was never needed due to the reliability of the original constellation. It was donated to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in 2012.

"We are pleased to once again collaborate with SSL on two advanced satellites that will bolster service to our subscribers for years to come," said Bridget Neville, vice president of satellite and terrestrial engineering and operations at SiriusXM.

"SSL is a premier designer and manufacturer of reliable communications satellites, with the technological capability to meet our demanding requirements. We look forward to working together on the new satellites."

SXM-7 and SXM-8 are based on the powerful SSL 1300 platform, which has the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. The satellites are designed to provide service for 15 years or longer.