PALO ALTO, Calif. – December 20, 2004 – Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) today announced that it has been selected by EchoStar Communications Corporation, Englewood, Colo., to build EchoStar XI, a new direct broadcast satellite (DBS) based on SS/L’s 1300 platform that will support EchoStar’s DISH Network™ and serve as backup to its existing fleet.

EchoStar XI, anticipated to be delivered in early 2007, will be the fifth SS/L-built satellite in the EchoStar fleet. The contract is subject to standard bankruptcy court approval.

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 10.4 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network, the fastest growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the last four years. DISH Network offers hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. DISH Network ranks No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction among Cable/Satellite TV Subscribers by J.D. Power and Associates. Visit EchoStar’s DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

Space Systems/Loral, a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications (OTCBB: LRLSQ), 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 governmental customers whose applications include broadband digital communications, direct-to-home broadcast, defense communications, environmental monitoring, and air traffic control. SS/L satellites have amassed more than 1,100 years of reliable on-orbit service. SS/L is ISO 9001:2000 certified. For more information, visit the Space Systems / Loral web site at www.ssloral.com .

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.

Contact:

John McCarthy
Loral Space & Communications
212/338-5345