Space Systems/Loral Wins Contract to Build Direct Broadcast Satellite for EchoStar

Space Systems/Loral Wins Contract to Build Direct Broadcast Satellite for EchoStar

EchoStar XIV Satellite Will Increase Capacity, Flexibility of EchoStar's DISH Network(TM)

PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications (NASDAQ:LORL) and the world's leading provider of high-power commercial satellites, today announced that it has been awarded a contract to manufacture a new direct broadcast satellite (DBS) for EchoStar Orbital Corporation II, a subsidiary of EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:DISH). EchoStar XIV will provide expanded services and flexibility for DISH Network's more than 13 million direct-to-home (DTH) television subscribers.

"Our long-term relationship with EchoStar is an endorsement of the performance, reliability and service that our company provides," said John Celli, president of Space Systems/Loral. "With an ever-increasing amount of programming options, it is an exciting time for the DTH industry and Space Systems/Loral is well positioned to help EchoStar meet its growing demand for advanced services."

"As the fastest-growing pay-TV provider in the nation and an innovator in advanced services such as HDTV, we need the power and capacity that a satellite from Space Systems/Loral can provide," said Rohan Zaveri, vice president of Space Programs for EchoStar.

There are currently three SS/L-built satellites on orbit in the EchoStar fleet.

EchoStar XIV is based on SS/L's 1300 platform, which features qualified, flight proven subsystems and a long record of reliable operation. Its high efficiency solar arrays and lightweight batteries are designed to provide uninterrupted electrical power. In all, SS/L satellites have amassed more than 1,300 years of reliable on-orbit service.

About Space Systems/Loral

Space Systems/Loral is a premier designer, manufacturer, and integrator of powerful satellites and satellite systems. SS/L also provides a range of related services that include mission control operations and procurement of launch services. Based in Palo Alto, Calif., the company has an international base of commercial and government customers whose applications include broadband data communications, television and radio broadcasting, mobile satellite services, fixed satellite services, defense communications, environmental monitoring, and air traffic control. SS/L is ISO 9001:2000 certified. For more information, visit http://www.ssloral.com/.

About Loral Space & Communications

Loral Space & Communications is a satellite communications company. In addition to Space Systems/Loral, through its Skynet subsidiary Loral owns and operates a fleet of telecommunications satellites used to broadcast video entertainment programming, and for broadband data transmission, Internet services and other value-added communications services. For more information, visit Loral's web site at http://www.loral.com/.

About EchoStar Communications

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:DISH) serves more than 13 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM), the fastest-growing pay-TV provider in the country since 2000. DISH Network's services include hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. EchoStar has been a leader for more than 25 years in satellite TV equipment sales and support worldwide. EchoStar is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 300 company. Visit EchoStar's Web site at http://www.echostar.com/ or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In addition, Loral Space & Communications Inc. or its representatives have made or may make forward- looking statements, orally or in writing, which may be included in, but are not limited to, various filings made from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases or oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer of the company. Actual results could differ materially from those projected or suggested in any forward-looking statements as a result of a wide variety of factors and conditions. Many of these factors and conditions are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in each of the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for subsequent periods. The reader is specifically referred to these documents, as well as the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source: Space Systems/Loral

CONTACT: John McCarthy of Loral Space & Communications, +1-212-338-5345

Web site: http://www.ssloral.com/
http://www.loral.com/
http://www.echostar.com/

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