First View of the Newly Launched SXM-10

This summer we launched the newest member of the SiriusXM geostationary fleet: SXM-10. After weeks of orbit raising and systems testing the satellite is finally in service and broadcasting music!

I often love being able to photograph our geostationary satellites, and I was excited to get the first view of our brand new SXM-10 next to its SiriusXM neighbor FM-6.

Finding the satellites is always a bit challenging because my telescope is a dobsonian with no tracking or motors, just a tube with mirrors on a wooden base. After some star hopping I finally found the right location and the satellites.

Using my 10” dobsonian and ZWO ASI290MC camera I need at least half second exposures and very clear skies to even see the pinprick of the satellites. For a nice image I went to 5 second exposures and less gain to have less camera noise. I did some minor color and level adjustments in DarkTable and then put it all into an animation.

I'm looking forward to at least 15 healthy and fun years of broadcasting!