Midnight Drama! SpaceX Breaks Weather Barriers to Deliver SiriusXM SXM-10 Into Orbit From Florida’s Space Coast
After multiple storm delays, SpaceX launched SiriusXM’s SXM-10 satellite at midnight—boosting coverage for 165M+ vehicles in 2025.
- 48th Florida orbital launch of 2025
- 165M+ SiriusXM-equipped vehicles rely on this network
- 5 weather delays before liftoff
- 2 more high-powered satellites coming soon
SpaceX delivered action and suspense in the dead of night as rolling storms threatened, winds howled, and lightning crackled around the Space Coast. After hours of delays on Friday, June 6, crews finally got the green light. The Falcon 9 rocket soared into the darkness at 12:54 a.m. on June 7, igniting the next generation of satellite radio.
SiriusXM’s SXM-10, built by Maxar Space Systems, is now humming in high orbit, beaming reliable audio entertainment across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. This is a game-changer for more than 165 million SiriusXM-equipped vehicles—an audience that relies on these satellites for seamless streaming anywhere the road takes them.
The overnight launch wasn’t just another mission—it marked the 48th orbital launch of the year from Florida’s bustling Space Coast, a testament to the region’s growing influence in global spaceflight.
What Made This Launch So Challenging?
Storms rolled across Cape Canaveral Space Force Station starting just after 7 p.m. Friday night. Meteorologists triggered five separate lightning warnings and a long-duration wind advisory, which lasted until nearly midnight. SpaceX teams had to move the liftoff time five times, pushing the launch deep into the early morning hours.
This patience paid off: at 12:54 a.m., Falcon 9’s engines roared to life, piercing through thick clouds and delivering SXM-10 into geostationary orbit.
Why Is SXM-10 a Big Deal for SiriusXM and Listeners?
SXM-10 is the latest third-generation satellite joining SiriusXM’s growing orbital fleet, increasing signal reliability and reach. SiriusXM isn’t just about music. It powers emergency notifications, navigation, and exclusive content for drivers everywhere.
The satellite taps into Maxar’s powerful 1300-class platform—a proven design used in commercial and defense satellites for decades. According to company details, Maxar has been building satellites for SiriusXM since the year 2000, regularly advancing performance and coverage.
What’s Next for SiriusXM Satellites?
The story doesn’t end here. Under a 2021 agreement, Maxar will build two more high-powered digital audio radio satellites—SXM-11 and SXM-12. These twins will launch by 2026, further reinforcing the SiriusXM network above North America.
Maxar, with manufacturing sites in Palo Alto and San Jose, continues to set the pace in satellite innovation. Expect even more robust satellite radio in the years ahead.
How Will This Impact SpaceX and the Space Coast?
SpaceX’s rapid-fire launch cadence cements Florida’s Space Coast as the world’s busiest orbital launch hub. Hot on the heels of the SXM-10 mission, SpaceX will launch Axiom Space’s next commercial crew mission to the International Space Station, targeting June 10 from Kennedy Space Center’s pad 39A.
Wondering when the next rocket will light up the night sky? Official schedules can be found at NASA and SpaceX. For real-time Florida launch coverage, check resources like Florida Today.
How Can You Track and Watch Future Launches?
Stay up to date by signing up for space newsletters or following accounts like Twitter/X. Mobile apps and live streams make it easier than ever to witness launches and learn about the latest breakthroughs.
Don’t Miss the Next Launch! Here’s Your Space Watcher’s Checklist:
- Bookmark NASA and SpaceX for verified schedules
- Sign up for local space news alerts
- Follow launch reporters and agencies on social media
- Prepare for early mornings—weather delays happen!
- Share launch pics and updates with fellow space fans
Stay tuned—the Space Coast’s 2025 is just getting started!