SpaceX Brushes Off Lightning Delays to Deliver SiriusXM’s Game-Changing Satellite—Inside the Midnight Mission
SpaceX rockets past stormy hurdles to launch SiriusXM’s next-gen satellite, advancing audio coverage for over 165 million vehicles in 2025.
- 165M+ SiriusXM-equipped vehicles rely on the satellite network
- 48th Florida orbital rocket launch of 2025
- 5x Launch delays due to severe weather
- 12:54 a.m. Liftoff time after hours of waiting
The skies over Florida’s Space Coast put up a fierce fight Friday night, as lightning and towering storm clouds threatened to ground a high-stakes space mission. But SpaceX crews waited out the weather, eyeing every lightning flash and wind advisory. At 12:54 a.m. on June 7, 2025, the Falcon 9 rocket finally shattered the darkness, propelling SiriusXM’s SXM-10 satellite into orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Built by Maxar Space Systems, SXM-10 isn’t just another satellite—it’s the latest powerhouse in SiriusXM’s orbiting armada. Its mission? Deliver continuous, crystal-clear audio entertainment and real-time info to millions across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. With over 165 million SiriusXM-equipped vehicles on the road, this satellite ensures listeners will never miss a beat.
The wild weather pushed SpaceX to reschedule the launch a staggering five times. Meteorologists issued repeated lightning and wind warnings for both the Space Force installation and neighboring NASA‘s Kennedy Space Center. The wind advisory finally expired at 11:55 p.m., clearing the way for the midnight showstopper.
Q&A: Why Was This Launch Such a Big Deal for 2025?
Q: What sets SXM-10 apart from older satellites?
A: SXM-10 represents the third generation of SiriusXM’s satellite fleet. It’s bigger, stronger, and designed to deliver even more reliable audio services than its predecessors—enabling seamless, coast-to-coast listening for millions.
Q: How does SpaceX maintain such a relentless launch schedule?
A: Despite fierce storms, SpaceX keeps to a tightly packed calendar. The SXM-10 launch marked the 48th orbital rocket launch out of Florida in 2025, reinforcing SpaceX’s position as a global leader in space transportation.
Q: What’s next for SiriusXM and Maxar?
A: Not slowing down, Maxar will deliver two more high-powered satellites—SXM-11 and SXM-12—by 2026, crafted on their robust 1300-class platform. These next-gen units are being assembled in California, further boosting SiriusXM’s network strength.
How SpaceX and Maxar Are Changing Satellite Audio for the World
Every year, advances in satellite technology bring crisper, broader, and more reliable coverage. Since launching its first satellite in 2000, SiriusXM, with manufacturing giant Maxar, has consistently pushed boundaries. Their third-generation satellites build on 25 years of innovation—now, with SXM-10 in orbit, listeners across North America and the Caribbean can expect fewer service interruptions and even richer sound.
What’s Next for Florida’s Launch Pad?
Central Florida’s skies won’t stay quiet for long. On June 10, SpaceX is slated to send Axiom Space’s commercial astronauts to the International Space Station—with the Dragon spacecraft launching at 8:22 a.m. from Kennedy Space Center’s Pad 39A. Expect more action and cutting-edge science in the days ahead.
For real-time space news, hit up NASA, explore rocket science at SpaceX, or check launch calendars at Florida Today.
How To Track Future Rocket Launches
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3. Sign up for specialized space newsletters for alerts on evening and weekend launches.
4. Visit Cape Canaveral or tune into webcasts for real-time coverage and commentary.
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