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ECHOSTAR VIII LAUNCH DELAYED

LITTLETON, Colo. - June 22, 2002 - The launch of EchoStar VIII, a high-powered direct broadcast satellite built for EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:DISH) by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), has been delayed. During the final hours of the launch countdown on June 22, the complete functionality of a command receiver could not be confirmed.

The satellite was scheduled to launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan aboard a Proton K/Block DM launch vehicle provided by International Launch Services (ILS). The launch will be rescheduled following the completion of further satellite testing and availability of the Baikonur launch base.

The launch delay will not result in any interruption to DISH Network's satellite service.

DISH Network is a trademark of EchoStar Communications Corporation. DISH Network is EchoStar's state-of-the-art direct broadcast satellite TV system that is capable of offering over 500 channels of digital video and CD-quality audio programming, as well as fully MPEG-2/DVB compliant hardware and installation. EchoStar is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) which contains the largest non-financial companies on the Nasdaq Stock Market. DISH Network currently serves over 7.16 million customers. For more information, visit www.dishnetwork.com.

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, including 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 is ISO 9001 certified. For more information, visit www.ssloral.com.

SS/L is a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications (NYSE: LOR), a high technology company that concentrates primarily on satellite manufacturing and satellite-based services, including broadcast transponder leasing and value-added services, domestic and international corporate data networks, broadband data transmission, and Internet services.

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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, from time to time, Loral Space & Communications Ltd. or its representatives have made or may make forward-looking statements, orally or in writing. Such forward-looking statements may be included in, but are not limited to, various filings made by the company 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. These factors and conditions have been described in the section of the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, entitled "Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results," and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The reader is specifically referred to these documents regarding the factors and conditions that may affect future results.



CONTACT:
John McCarthy
Loral Space & Communications
212/338-5345

Judianne Atencio
EchoStar
303/723-2010

Marc Lumpkin
EchoStar
303/723-2020