XM Satellite Radio, Washington, D.C, has successfully launched the second of two satellites to provide coast-to-coast subscriber radio service aimed at mobile listeners.

XM's first satellite, "Rock," was formally handed over to XM in mid-May by Boeing Satellite Systems and has begun broadcasting XM channels in preparation for XM's commercial launch later this summer.
The second satellite, "Roll," was launched May 8 and completed a sequence of engine firings to maneuver it towards its final geostationary orbit. The second satellite has successfully deployed its solar arrays and communication antennas and is expected to begin full-time broadcasting in late June.
XM will offer up to 100 channels of digital-quality sound and provide music, news, sports, talk, comedy and children's programming to subscribers.
A rival network, Sirius Satellite Radio based in New York, also plans to begin commercial operations this year.