Spectacular Midnight SpaceX Launch Sends SiriusXM’s Powerful New Satellite Soaring Above Florida After Hours of Stormy Setbacks
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 delivered SiriusXM’s cutting-edge SXM-10 satellite on a nail-biting, storm-delayed flight, boosting satellite radio in 2025.
- 165M+ SiriusXM-equipped vehicles on the road rely on satellite service
- 48th orbital rocket launch from Florida in 2025
- 5 liftoff delays due to severe weather before takeoff
- 3rd Gen SiriusXM satellites built by Maxar Space Systems
SpaceX delivered high drama and high-tech on June 7, 2025, after weather storms shrouded Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in suspense. Crews waited through hours of rumbling thunderclouds and pulsing lightning, pushing their launch window deep into the night. Finally, at 12:54 a.m., the engines of a Falcon 9 ignited with a dazzling roar, carrying SiriusXM’s SXM-10 satellite skyward.
The moment marked a key leap for the future of satellite radio. SiriusXM, broadcasting to more than 165 million equipped cars, counts on its proprietary satellites to beam uninterrupted music, news, and information across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. Now, with SXM-10—built by Maxar Space Systems—its constellation gets a 2025-powered upgrade.
What’s Special About the SXM-10 Satellite?
SXM-10 isn’t just another satellite—it’s a third-generation machine, packing advanced power and broadcasting reliability. Maxar Space Systems crafted this marvel using their trusted 1300-class platform, honed over two decades of SiriusXM partnership. The goal: uninterrupted audio service, no matter the weather down below.
Why Was the Launch Delayed So Many Times?
As dusk fell on June 6, meteorologists sent out lightning warnings and a wind advisory that threatened both the launch pad and neighboring NASA Kennedy Space Center. SpaceX teams huddled, watching the weather. Each time optimism built, another electrical storm rolled in. The final advisory didn’t lift until nearly midnight, forcing five nerve-wracking delays.
But patience paid off. Under the cover of midnight, Falcon 9’s engines blazed, turning a stormy night into an electrifying triumph for SpaceX.
What Does This Mean for SiriusXM Listeners?
With SXM-10 in orbit, SiriusXM subscribers can expect crisper audio, stronger signals, and fewer dropouts—even in the most remote roads and rural valleys. The new satellite ensures that SiriusXM’s popular channels keep cars, homes, and mobile devices connected 24/7.
And this is just the start—two more Maxar-built satellites, SXM-11 and SXM-12, are slated to join the growing fleet, broadening service and future-proofing coverage for millions more listeners.
How Does This Launch Fit Into 2025’s Space Race?
Florida’s Space Coast is bustling. The SXM-10 mission chalks up as the 48th orbital rocket launch out of the Sunshine State in 2025—a testament to America’s ever-accelerating bid to own the skies. Hot on the heels of SXM-10, SpaceX is prepping for another headline-grabbing mission. On June 10, a Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to rocket Axiom Space’s commercial astronauts toward the International Space Station—further proof that private spaceflight is booming.
For real-time updates and a full rocket launch schedule, check Florida Today or sign up for their weekly Space newsletter.
What’s Next for SpaceX and SiriusXM?
While SXM-10 settles into orbit, Maxar’s engineers turn their focus to the upcoming SXM-11 and SXM-12 satellites. Meanwhile, SpaceX keeps its foot on the accelerator, scheduling launches for new satellites, commercial astronauts, and cutting-edge technology projects throughout 2025.
As the skies above Florida light up with more rockets, listeners—and space fans—can look forward to a future where both audio and adventure know no boundaries.
Don’t Miss Another Launch—Stay Tuned!
- Mark your calendar for June 10: Next SpaceX launch with Axiom astronauts
- Follow SpaceX and SiriusXM for live updates
- Sign up for newsletters at Florida Today for your first alert on future launches
- Drive with confidence—SXM-10 is boosting your satellite radio experience right now
Ready for more cosmic breakthroughs in 2025? Keep your eyes to the skies and your playlist on SiriusXM!