The satellite, designated XM-4, will be delivered in late 2005 for future launch to XM's orbital slot at 115 degrees west longitude in support of XM's on-going service requirements.

"This order demonstrates a valued customer's continued confidence in the Boeing 702 product line," said Dave Ryan, vice president and general manager of Boeing Satellite Systems. "XM initiated commercial service with two Boeing 702 satellites plus a ground spare in 2001, and we are grateful for this new opportunity to support their continued success. This award also makes clear that Boeing is fully committed to providing reliable technology and superior long-term service to its customers in the commercial and government marketplaces."

As in the first three XM spacecraft, Alcatel Espace of Toulouse, France will provide the S-band Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS) payload for XM-4. XM-4 will also feature a number of upgrades including a bi-propellant back up to its Xenon Ion Propulsion System (XIPS). Equipped with advanced triple junction solar cells, the satellite is designed to generate 18 kilowatts of power at start of service and 15.5 kilowatts at the end of its 15-year design life.

XM is America's #1 satellite radio service. With over 692,000 subscribers as of June 30th, XM is on pace to have more than one million subscribers later this year. XM is available on a wide variety of GM, Honda, Toyota, Infiniti, Nissan and Audi models. GM recently announced that it has manufactured more than 500,000 XM-equipped vehicles and that it will exceed the 1 million mark by March 31, 2004. XM radios, including the critically acclaimed Delphi XM SKYFi radio are available at Best Buy, Circuit City, Wal-Mart and other major retailers nationwide.

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