SpaceX Rockets Past Wild Weather to Deliver SiriusXM’s Powerful SXM-10 Satellite in Thrilling Midnight Launch
SpaceX braves storms to launch the SiriusXM SXM-10 satellite, expanding audio services across North America. Catch 2025’s stunning space moments.
- 165+ million SiriusXM-equipped vehicles rely on these satellites
- 48th Florida orbital launch in 2025
- 5 weather delays before launching at 12:54 a.m. ET
- 4 next-gen satellites in SiriusXM pipeline with Maxar
When dark clouds and crackling lightning descended on Florida’s Space Coast, crews at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station kept their nerves steady. Five separate delays and hours after sunset, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 finally lit up the skies, blazing a path for SiriusXM’s latest satellite, SXM-10.
This wasn’t just another routine launch. With severe weather threatening to scrub the mission, crews waited out repeated lightning warnings and powerful wind advisories that transformed the East Coast’s launch hub into a high-stakes waiting game. At 12:54 a.m. ET, well past the original schedule, the skies briefly cleared—giving Falcon 9 the green light it needed to leap into orbit.
SXM-10 now joins SiriusXM’s growing geostationary fleet, boosting audio entertainment and information coverage for millions of listeners across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean.
Q: Why Is This Launch a Big Deal for SiriusXM Listeners?
The deployment of SXM-10 enhances SiriusXM’s ability to deliver seamless, uninterrupted broadcasts, even in remote regions. With over 165 million SiriusXM-equipped vehicles on the roads, reliability is everything. The new satellite ensures radio stays available whether you’re cruising through urban centers or exploring backcountry highways.
To keep the digital airwaves humming, SiriusXM is doubling down with an ambitious upgrade: by 2027, four third-generation satellites—including SXM-10’s twin successors, SXM-11 and SXM-12—will be in orbit. Built by Maxar, a leader in satellite manufacturing since 2000, these advanced platforms promise even greater reach and dependable service.
How Did SpaceX Manage the Repeated Weather Delays?
Friday evening kicked off with meteorologists sounding alarms: fierce lightning and stubborn winds swept over both the Space Force Station and NASA Kennedy Space Center. The forecast did not cooperate, keeping launch teams locked in a tense wait.
SpaceX engineers pressed forward, using live weather radar and updated tracking tools. With every passing hour—and every storm cell that passed—the team evaluated safety. Finally, with winds easing and lightning fading shortly after midnight, the pad was cleared for liftoff.
Such resilience and flexibility showcase just how far commercial space launches have come since SpaceX revolutionized the industry. With dozens of launches from Florida already this year, the Space Coast is busier—and more vital—than ever.
What’s Next on the 2025 Space Launch Calendar?
The momentum isn’t slowing. Up next: SpaceX is preparing another high-profile launch—the Axiom Space commercial astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Liftoff is scheduled for 8:22 a.m. ET on Tuesday, June 10, from NASA’s historic Pad 39A.
The Eastern Range is quickly becoming the nexus for space innovation, as both public and private launches ramp up. Follow schedules and breaking news at Florida Today and track upcoming launches at SpaceX.
How Can You Stay on Top of the Latest Launches?
For those who never want to miss a rocket launch or a space breakthrough:
- Sign up for a reliable news source or space newsletter covering Florida’s launch calendar.
- Bookmark trusted sites like NASA, SpaceX, and Maxar.
- Set calendar reminders for upcoming missions announced in official press releases.
The next decade will see more satellites, space tourism, and possibly lunar missions—all from the Space Coast’s ever-busy pads.
Don’t miss the next blastoff! Stay tuned for real-time alerts, behind-the-scenes updates, and exclusive mission coverage.
Action Checklist:
- Follow your favorite space news outlets and social channels
- Subscribe to launch alerts from SpaceX, NASA, and your local news
- Join discussion groups to track trends and upcoming missions
- Watch livestreams of all major launches for front-row excitement
