ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORP
10-Q, 1996-08-13
RADIO & TV BROADCASTING & COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
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<PAGE>

===============================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    ---------

                                    FORM 10-Q
(MARK ONE)
/X/ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE 
                         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                  FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 1996

                                       OR

/ / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-26176

                       ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

            NEVADA                                       88-0336997
 (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION                         (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                    IDENTIFICATION NO.)

   90 INVERNESS CIRCLE EAST
      ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO                                   80112
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                  (ZIP CODE)

                                 (303) 799-8222
              (REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)

                                 NOT APPLICABLE
              (FORMER NAME, FORMER ADDRESS AND FORMER FISCAL YEAR,
                          IF CHANGED SINCE LAST REPORT)

INDICATE BY CHECK MARK WHETHER THE REGISTRANT HAS FILED ALL REPORTS REQUIRED TO
BE FILED BY SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 DURING
THE PRECEDING 12 MONTHS (OR FOR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD THAT THE REGISTRANT WAS
REQUIRED TO FILE SUCH REPORTS), AND HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO SUCH FILING REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE PAST 90 DAYS.  YES  X   NO      
                           ---     ---

ON AUGUST 9, 1996, REGISTRANT'S OUTSTANDING VOTING COMMON STOCK CONSISTED OF
10,751,374 SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK, 29,804,401 SHARES OF CLASS B COMMON
STOCK AND 1,616,681 SHARES OF SERIES A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK, EACH $0.01
PAR VALUE.

===============================================================================

<PAGE>

              ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 

                                    FORM 10-Q

                  FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 1996

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS



PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                             PAGE
                                                                            ----
     Item 1.   Consolidated Financial Statements:

               Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 
                    and June 30, 1996 (Unaudited). . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1

               Statements of Income for the three months and six months
                    ended June 30, 1995 and 1996 (Unaudited) . . . . . . . .   2

               Statements of Cash Flows for the six months
                    ended June 30, 1995 and 1996 (Unaudited) . . . . . . . .   3

               Condensed Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) . . . . .   5

     Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis
                    of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . .  15


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

     Item 1.    Legal Proceedings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  24

     Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25


<PAGE>


                ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)


                                     ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,     JUNE 30,
                                                                     1995           1996
                                                                 ------------     --------
                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                               <C>            <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
 Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $  21,754      $  78,425
 Marketable investment securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . .         15,670         44,991
 Trade accounts receivable, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          9,179         19,568
 Inventories, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         38,769         48,386
 Income tax receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          3,554          7,446
 Deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          1,779          1,789
 Other current assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         13,037         25,168
                                                                   --------       --------
       Total current assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        103,742        225,773

RESTRICTED CASH AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES:
 1994 Notes escrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         73,291         22,928
 1996 Notes escrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             --        160,389
 Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         26,400         36,200
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        354,000        426,781
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         65,658        124,694
                                                                   --------       --------
      Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       $623,091       $996,765
                                                                   --------       --------
                                                                   --------       --------
                      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 Trade accounts payable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       $ 19,063       $ 22,235
 Deferred programming revenue - DISH Network-SM- . . . . . .             --         13,188
 Deferred programming revenue - C-band . . . . . . . . . . .          5,563          5,037
 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities. . . . . . .         21,335         13,308
 Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt . . . .          4,782          4,782
                                                                   --------       --------
      Total current liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         50,743         58,550
LONG-TERM DEFERRED PROGRAMMING REVENUE - DISH Network-SM-. .             --          4,163
1994 NOTES, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        382,218        408,449
1996 NOTES, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             --        361,742
LONG-TERM MORTGAGE DEBT AND NOTE PAYABLE, 
 excluding current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         33,444         36,337
                                                                   --------       --------
      Total liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        466,405        869,241
                                                                   --------       --------

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 6)


STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 Preferred Stock, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 
  1,616,681 shares of Series A Cumulative Preferred 
  Stock issued and outstanding, including accrued 
  dividends of $2,143,000 and $2,745,000, respectively . . .         17,195         17,797
 Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value, 200,000,000 
  shares authorized, 10,535,003 and 10,750,667 shares 
  issued and outstanding, respectively . . . . . . . . . . .            105            108
 Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 
  shares authorized, 29,804,401 shares issued and outstanding           298            298
 Common Stock Purchase Warrants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            714             20
 Class C Common Stock, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 
  none outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             --             --
 Additional paid-in capital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        151,674        153,095
 Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale  
  securities, net of deferred taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . .            239            122
 Retained earnings (deficit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (13,539)       (43,916)
                                                                   --------       --------
      Total stockholders' equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        156,686        127,524
                                                                   --------       --------
      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity . . . . . .       $623,091       $996,765
                                                                   --------       --------
                                                                   --------       --------
</TABLE>

           The accompanying notes to consolidated financial 
        statements are an integral part of these balance sheets. 

                                     1
                                    

<PAGE>

          ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                              (UNAUDITED)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                     THREE MONTHS ENDED               SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                          JUNE 30,                        JUNE 30,
                                                                   -----------------------       ------------------------
                                                                     1995           1996            1995           1996
                                                                   --------       --------       ---------      ---------
<S>                                                                <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
REVENUE:
 DTH products and technical services . . . . . . . . . . . .       $ 34,865       $ 60,458       $ 71,142       $ 97,199
 Programming revenue - DISH Network-SM-  . . . . . . . . . .             --          5,582             --          6,046
 Programming revenue - C-band. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          3,817          3,194          7,688          6,643
 Loan origination and participation income . . . . . . . . .            570          4,290            835          5,103
                                                                   --------       --------       --------       --------
      Total revenue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         39,252         73,524         79,665        114,991
                                                                   --------       --------       --------       --------
EXPENSES:
 DTH products and technical services . . . . . . . . . . . .         27,371         57,528         56,816         90,278
 Programming - DISH Network-SM-  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             --          1,664             --          1,769
 Programming - C-band. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          3,392          2,880          6,824          6,058
 Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . .          7,315         19,083         15,186         29,816
 Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            406          6,426            769          9,756
                                                                   --------       --------       --------       --------
      Total expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         38,484         87,581         79,595        137,677
                                                                   --------       --------       --------       --------
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            768        (14,057)            70        (22,686)
                                                                   --------       --------       --------       --------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
 Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          3,005          6,706          6,643          9,383
 Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized. . . . . . . .         (6,327)       (27,141)       (12,890)       (33,184)
 Other, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            (68)          (117)           (40)          (134)
                                                                   --------       --------       --------       --------
      Total other income (expense) . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (3,390)       (20,552)        (6,287)       (23,935)
                                                                   --------       --------       --------       --------
NET LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (2,622)       (34,609)        (6,217)       (46,621)
BENEFIT FOR INCOME TAXES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            835         12,055          2,190         16,846
                                                                   --------       --------       --------       --------
NET LOSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       $ (1,787)      $(22,554)      $ (4,027)      $(29,775)
                                                                   --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                                   --------       --------       --------       --------
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHARES . . . . . . . . . . .       $ (2,088)      $(22,855)      $ (4,629)      $(30,377)
                                                                   --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                                   --------       --------       --------       --------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING . . . . . . . . .         33,988         40,432         33,655         40,404
                                                                   --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                                   --------       --------       --------       --------
LOSS PER COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARE. . . . . . . . .       $   (.06)      $   (.57)      $   (.14)      $   (.75)
                                                                   --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                                   --------       --------       --------       --------
</TABLE>

             The accompanying notes to consolidated financial 
            statements are an integral part of these statements. 

                                      2
<PAGE>

                   ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
                                       (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                          JUNE 30,
                                                                                                  -----------------------
                                                                                                    1995           1996
                                                                                                  --------        -------
<S>                                                                                               <C>           <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        $(4,027)      $(29,775)
  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities--
    Depreciation and amortization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            769          9,756
    Provision for doubtful accounts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             --             66
    Benefit for deferred taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (4,624)       (11,534)
    Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs on 1994 and 1996 Notes. . . . . . . . . .            630          1,038
    Amortization of discount on 1994 and 1996 Notes, net of amounts capitalized. . . . . .         12,030         23,492
    Equity in (earnings) losses of joint venture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            (23)            86
    Change in reserve for excess and obsolete inventory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            383            634
    Change in long-term deferred programming revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             --          4,163
    Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           (417)          (752)
    Changes in working capital items --
      Trade accounts receivable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          1,405        (10,455)
      Inventories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (8,799)       (10,251)
      Income tax receivable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             --         (3,892)
      Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             47        (12,131)
      Liability under cash management program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            (57)            --
      Trade accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (3,879)         3,172
      Deferred programming revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            218         12,662
      Accrued expenses and other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            615          6,973
                                                                                                  --------      ---------
        Net cash flows from operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (5,729)       (16,748)
                                                                                                  --------      ---------
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Purchases of marketable investment securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (80,051)       (44,782)
  Sales of marketable investment securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         40,679         15,479
  Purchases of restricted marketable securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (15,000)       (15,500)
  Funds released from restricted cash and marketable securities - other. . . . . . . . . .             --          5,700
  Purchases of property and equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (1,170)        (7,537)
  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             27             --
  Offering proceeds and investment earnings placed in escrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (4,967)      (186,278)
  Funds released from escrow accounts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         29,760         76,045
  Investment in SSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           (284)            --
  Investment in convertible subordinated debentures from DBSI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             --         (3,000)
  Long-term notes receivable from DBSC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             --        (12,500)
  Expenditures for satellite systems under construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (30,310)       (73,932)
  Subscriber acquisition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             --         (3,307)
  Deposit on FCC authorization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             --        (10,459)
  Expenditures for FCC authorizations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             --         (3,193)
                                                                                                 --------      ---------
        Net cash flows from investing activities.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (61,316)      (263,264)
                                                                                                 --------      ---------
</TABLE>

                       The accompanying notes to consolidated financial
                     statements are an integral part of these statements. 


                                             3

<PAGE>

                  ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
                                     (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                   SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                       JUNE 30,
                                                                                                 ----------------------
                                                                                                   1995         1996
                                                                                                 --------     ---------
<S>                                                                                              <C>         <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                   
 Repayments of mortgage indebtedness and note payable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        $   (91)    $   (1,082)
 Stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             --            722
 Net proceeds from issuance of Class A Common Stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         62,933             --
 Net proceeds from issuance of 1996 Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             --        337,043
                                                                                                  -------       --------
    Net cash flows from financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         62,842        336,683
                                                                                                  -------       --------

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (4,203)        56,671
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         17,506         21,754
                                                                                                  -------       --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        $13,303       $ 78,425
                                                                                                  -------       --------
                                                                                                  -------       --------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
 Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $     233      $   7,953
 Cash paid for income taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            658             --
 Cumulative Series A Preferred Stock dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            602            602
 Satellite launch payment for EchoStar II applied to EchoStar I launch . . . . . . . . . .             --         15,000
 Increase in note payable for deferred satellite construction payments . . . . . . . . . .             --          3,167
 Employee incentives funded by issuance of Class A Common Stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . .             --              8

</TABLE>

                     The accompanying notes to consolidated financial
                   statements are an integral part of these statements.

                                             4
<PAGE>
              ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

              CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
                       DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1996

(1)  ORGANIZATION AND PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     EchoStar Communications Corporation and subsidiaries ("EchoStar") 
successfully launched its first direct broadcast satellite ("DBS"), EchoStar 
I, in December 1995 and, on March 4, 1996, began broadcasting its DBS 
programming (the "DISH Network-SM-") to the entire continental United States. 
As of August 1, 1996, EchoStar had over 100,000 subscribers to DISH 
Network-SM- programming. The DISH Network-SM- currently includes over 100 
channels of high quality digital video and audio programming and will expand 
to approximately 200 digital video and audio channels following the 
successful launch of a second DBS satellite, DirectSat I ("EchoStar II"), 
currently scheduled in September 1996.

     In addition to its DBS business, EchoStar is engaged in the design, 
manufacture, distribution and installation of satellite direct to home 
("DTH") products, domestic distribution of DTH programming and consumer 
financing of EchoStar's domestic DTH products and services. 

     In January 1996, EchoStar formed a wholly owned subsidiary, EchoStar 
Satellite Broadcasting Corporation ("ESB"), for the purpose of completing a 
private offering (the "1996 Notes Offering"), pursuant to Rule 144A of the 
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), of 13 1/8% Senior 
Secured Discount Notes due 2004 (the "1996 Notes"), resulting in net proceeds 
of approximately $337.0 million. The 1996 Notes Offering was consummated in 
March 1996. Proceeds from the 1996 Notes Offering will be used for: (i) 
continued development, marketing and distribution of the DISH Network-SM-; 
(ii) EchoStar's purchase of DBS frequencies at 148 DEG.  WL; (iii) partial
funding of the construction, launch and insurance of DBSC I ("EchoStar III")
and EchoStar IV; (iv) additional launch costs of EchoStar II; 
and (v) other general corporate purposes. The additional frequencies were 
acquired by EchoStar at a public auction held by the Federal Communications 
Commission ("FCC") in January 1996 (the "FCC Auction"). In connection with the 
1996 Notes Offering, EchoStar contributed all of the outstanding capital stock 
of its wholly owned subsidiary, Dish, Ltd., to ESB. This transaction has been 
accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control whereby 
Dish, Ltd. has been treated as the predecessor to ESB. ESB is subject to all, 
and EchoStar is subject to certain of, the terms and conditions of the 
Indenture related to the 1996 Notes (the "1996 Notes Indenture"). On April 24, 
1996, ESB filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the Securities 
Act to exchange the 1996 Notes for publicly registered notes. The 
Registration Statement was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange 
Commission on June 28, 1996. As of August 1, 1996, all of the outstanding 
privately placed notes had been exchanged for the new publicly registered 
notes. Unless otherwise stated herein, or the context otherwise requires, 
references herein to the 1996 Notes shall include the original privately 
placed notes and the publicly registered notes that were exchanged for the 
privately placed notes.

     In June 1995, EchoStar completed an offering of its Class A Common Stock,
resulting in net proceeds of approximately $63.0 million (the "Equity
Offering"). Dish, Ltd. owns the majority of EchoStar's operating subsidiaries.
In June 1994, Dish, Ltd. completed an offering of 12 7/8% Senior Secured
Discount Notes due 2004 (the "1994 Notes") and Warrants (collectively, the "1994
Notes Offering"), resulting in net proceeds of approximately $323.3 million. As
of June 30, 1996, substantially all of the Warrants issued in connection with
the 1994 Notes Offering had been exercised. Dish, Ltd. and most of its
subsidiaries are subject to the terms and conditions of the Indenture related to
the 1994 Notes (the "1994 Notes Indenture").

     Unless otherwise stated herein, or the context otherwise requires,
references herein to EchoStar shall include EchoStar and all of its direct and
indirect wholly owned subsidiaries.

     The accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have
been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for
interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article
10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information
and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting
of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have
been included. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30,
1996 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may 
                                      5
<PAGE>


              ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

              CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
                                 (CONTINUED)

be expected for the year ended December 31, 1996. For further information, 
refer to the Combined and Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes 
thereto included in EchoStar Communications Corporation's Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995. Certain prior year amounts 
have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

SIGNIFICANT RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

     Execution of EchoStar's business strategy to launch and operate DBS 
satellites has dramatically changed its operating results and financial 
position when compared to its historical results. As of  June 30, 1996, 
EchoStar expects to invest in the future approximately an additional $500 
million to build, launch and support EchoStar I, II, III and IV (Note 6), 
assuming receipt of all required FCC licenses and permits. EchoStar 
consummated the 1994 Notes Offering, the 1996 Notes Offering and the 
Equity Offering to partially satisfy these capital requirements. Annual 
interest expense on the 1994 and 1996 Notes and depreciation of the 
investment in the satellites and related assets is of a magnitude that 
exceeds historical levels of income before taxes. Consequently, beginning in 
1995 EchoStar reported significant net losses and expects net losses to 
continue through at least 1997. EchoStar's plans also include the 
construction and launch of two fixed service satellites, additional DBS, 
Ku-band and KuX-band satellites, and marketing to promote its DBS products 
and services. The investment in these satellites and the related 
depreciation, combined with the expenses incurred in connection with the DISH 
Network-SM-, will continue to erode EchoStar's net worth.

     Beginning in June 1996, EchoStar began marketing a special promotion in 
a limited number of markets pursuant to which consumers were able to purchase 
a discounted EchoStar Receiver System under the condition the consumer commits
to subscribe and prepay for DISH Network-SM- programming service for a
minimum of one year.  The primary purposes of the promotion were to expand 
retail distribution, build awareness of the DISH Network-SM- brand and rapidly 
build a subscriber base. Due to positive retailer and consumer results, among 
other factors, effective August 1, 1996, EchoStar began a nationwide rollout 
of the promotion. While this promotion will significantly increase EchoStar's 
investment in its subscriber base, EchoStar believes that the increase in 
subscribers to its DISH Network-SM- and the corresponding increase in 
DBS programming revenue in future periods, resulting from this promotion, will
be more than sufficient to recover the investment in subscriber acquisition 
costs.

     EchoStar expects net losses to continue as it builds its subscription
television business, and therefore, absent additional capital, EchoStar expects
negative stockholders' equity to result before December 31, 1997. EchoStar's
expected net losses will result primarily from: (i) the amortization of the
original issue discount on the 1994 and 1996 Notes; (ii) increases in
depreciation expense on the satellites and other fixed assets; (iii)
amortization expense of the subscriber acquisition costs (Note 2); and (iv)
increases in selling, general and administrative expenses to support the DISH
Network-SM-. Although the negative equity position has significant implications,
including, but not limited to, non-compliance with NASDAQ listing criteria,
which could result in delisting, EchoStar believes this event will not
materially affect the implementation and execution of its business strategy.
While EchoStar believes it will be able to obtain a waiver from NASDAQ and
remain listed, no assurance can be given NASDAQ will grant a waiver. Delisting
would result in a decline in EchoStar's common stock trading market which could
potentially depress stock and bond prices, among other things.


     As a result of the factors discussed above, EchoStar will need to raise
additional funds to complete its full complement of satellites.  There can be
no assurance that necessary funds will be available or, if available, that they
will be available on terms favorable to EchoStar. Management believes, however,
but can give no assurance, that demand for its DBS products and DISH Network-SM-
programming and EchoStar's ability to satisfy this demand will result in
sufficient cash flow which, together with other sources of capital, will be
sufficient to satisfy future planned expenditures. Significant delays or launch
failures may have significant adverse consequences to EchoStar's operating
results and financial condition.

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires the use of management estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses for each reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.


                                       6


<PAGE>


              ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

              CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
                                  (CONTINUED)

     This Form 10-Q of EchoStar contains statements which constitute forward
looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Those statements
appear in a number of places in the Form 10-Q and include statements regarding
the intent, belief or current expectations of EchoStar with respect to, among
other things: (i) EchoStar's financing plans; (ii) trends affecting EchoStar's
financial conditions or results of operations; (iii) EchoStar's growth strategy;
(iv) EchoStar's anticipated results of future operations; and (v) regulatory
matters affecting EchoStar. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such
forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve
risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from
those projected in the forward looking statements as a result of various
factors.

(2)  SUPPLEMENTAL  ANALYSIS

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     EchoStar considers all investments purchased with an original maturity of
ninety days or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents as of December 31,
1995, and June 30, 1996 consist of money market funds, corporate notes and
commercial paper stated at cost which equates to market value.

RESTRICTED CASH AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES

     EchoStar classifies all marketable investment securities as available-for-
sale. Accordingly, these investments are reflected at market value based on
quoted market prices. Related unrealized gains and losses are reported as a
separate component of stockholders' equity, net of related deferred income
taxes. The specific identification method is used to determine cost in computing
realized gains and losses.

     Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities in Escrow Accounts as reflected
on the accompanying balance sheets represent the remaining net proceeds received
from the 1994 Notes Offerings, and a portion of the proceeds from the 1996 Notes
Offering, plus interest earned, less amounts expended to date in connection with
the development, construction and launch of the DISH Network-SM-. These proceeds
are held in separate escrow accounts (the "1994 Escrow Account" and the "1996
Escrow Account", respectively) for the benefit of the holders of the 1994 and
1996 Notes and are invested in certain debt and other marketable securities, as
permitted by the respective Indentures, until disbursed for the express purposes
identified in the 1994 Notes Offering Prospectus and the 1996 Notes Offering
Prospectus, as the case may be.

     Other Restricted Cash includes $11.4 million and $5.7 million at December
31, 1995 and June 30, 1996, respectively, to satisfy certain covenants regarding
launch insurance required by the 1994 Notes Indenture. EchoStar is required to
maintain launch insurance and Restricted Cash totaling $225.0 million for
EchoStar II. EchoStar has obtained $219.3 million of launch insurance for
EchoStar II, and, together with the cash segregated and reserved on the
accompanying balance sheet as of June 30, 1996, has satisfied its launch
insurance obligations under the 1994 Notes Indenture. In addition, as of June
30, 1996, $15.0 million was in an escrow account established pursuant to a DBS
satellite receiver manufacturing contract for payment to the manufacturer as
certain milestones are reached and $15.5 million was in an escrow account for
the purpose of cash collateralizing certain standby letters of credit (Note 4).
The major components of Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities are as follows
(in thousands). 

<TABLE>

                                  DECEMBER 31, 1995                     JUNE 30, 1996
                            ------------------------------    ------------------------------
                                                                          UNREALIZED
                                      UNREALIZED                           HOLDING
                           AMORTIZED    HOLDING    MARKET     AMORTIZED      GAIN     MARKET
                             COST        GAIN       VALUE       COST        (LOSS)     VALUE
                            -------   ---------    ------     ---------   ---------   ------
<S>                         <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>
Commercial paper . . . .    $66,214    $   --      $66,214     $111,705    $   --    $111,705
Government bonds . . . .     32,904       420       33,324       97,138       229      97,367
Corporate notes. . . . .         --        --           --        9,108       (25)      9,083
Accrued interest . . . .        153        --          153        1,362        --       1,362
                            -------    ------      -------     --------    ------    --------
                            $99,271      $420      $99,691     $219,313      $204    $219,517
                            -------    ------      -------     --------    ------    --------
                            -------    ------      -------     --------    ------    --------
</TABLE>

                                          7


<PAGE>

              ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

              CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
                                  (CONTINUED)

INVENTORIES

     Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is
determined using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. Proprietary products
are manufactured by outside suppliers to EchoStar's specifications. EchoStar
also distributes non-proprietary products purchased from other manufacturers.
Manufactured inventories include materials, labor and manufacturing overhead.
Cost of other inventories includes parts, contract manufacturers' delivered
price, assembly and testing labor, and related overhead, including handling and
storage costs. The major components of inventory were as follows (in thousands):

                                                DECEMBER 31,     JUNE 30,
                                                   1995            1996
                                                ------------     --------

DISH Network-SM- DBS Receivers . . . . . . .      $  --          $19,911
DBS receiver components. . . . . . . . . . .        9,615         12,844
Consigned DBS receiver components. . . . . .         --            8,784
Finished goods - C-band. . . . . . . . . . .       11,161          3,819
Finished goods - International . . . . . . .        9,297          4,234
Competitor DBS Receivers . . . . . . . . . .        9,404           --
Spare parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        2,089          2,225
Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory. .       (2,797)        (3,431)
                                                 --------       --------
                                                  $38,769        $48,386
                                                 --------       --------
                                                 --------       --------



PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

     Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.
Cost includes interest capitalized on the EchoStar DBS System during
construction at EchoStar's effective borrowing rate. The major components of
property and equipment were as follows (in thousands):


                                           ESTIMATED  
                                          USEFUL LIFE   DECEMBER 31,  JUNE 30,
                                           (IN YEARS)      1995         1996
                                          -----------   ------------  --------
                                                      
Construction in progress . . . . . . . .      --         $303,174     $162,803
EchoStar I satellite . . . . . . . . . .      12               --      201,672
Furniture, fixtures and equipment. . . .     2-12          35,127       51,901
Buildings and improvements . . . . . . .     7-40          21,006       22,779
Tooling and other. . . . . . . . . . . .       2            2,039        3,913
Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      --            1,613        2,294
Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       7            1,310        1,325
                                                        ---------    ---------
 Total property and equipment  . . . . .                  364,269      446,687
  Less-Accumulated depreciation. . . . .                  (10,269)     (19,906)
                                                        ---------    ---------
  Net property and equipment . . . . . .                 $354,000     $426,781
                                                        ---------    ---------
                                                        ---------    ---------


                                        8


<PAGE>

              ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

              CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
                                  (CONTINUED)

     Construction in progress includes capitalized costs related to the
construction and launch of EchoStar II and EchoStar IV, which are currently
scheduled for launch in September 1996 and prior to the end of 1998,
respectively. Construction in progress for EchoStar III includes costs 
related to that launch, which is scheduled prior to the end of 1997.
Construction in progress consisted of the following (in thousands):


                                                  DECEMBER 31,   JUNE 30,
                                                     1995          1996
                                                  ------------   --------
Progress amounts for satellite 
construction, launch, launch insurance, 
capitalized interest, launch and in-orbit 
tracking, telemetry and control services:
   EchoStar I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $193,629    $      --
   EchoStar II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       88,634      126,541
   EchoStar III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       20,801        8,672
   EchoStar IV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           --       25,693
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          110        1,897
                                                    --------    ---------
                                                    $303,174     $162,803
                                                    --------    ---------
                                                    --------    ---------


OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS

The major components of other noncurrent assets were as follows (in thousands):

                                                          DECEMBER 31,  JUNE 30,
                                                             1995         1996
                                                         ------------   --------

Long-term notes receivable from DBSC . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,000  $ 28,500
Deferred tax assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12,109    23,714
FCC authorizations, net of amortization. . . . . . . . . . .  11,309    15,528
1996 Notes deferred debt issuance costs, net of 
 amortization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    --      12,597
1994 Notes deferred debt issuance costs, net of 
 amortization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10,622     9,991
Deposit on FCC authorization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     --     11,071
SSET convertible subordinated debentures and accrued 
 interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .   9,610     9,919
Investment in DBSC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4,111     4,025
DBSI  convertible subordinated debentures. . . . . . . . . .   1,000     4,000
Subscriber acquisition costs, net of amortization. . . . . .      --     3,215
Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     897     2,134
                                                             -------  --------
                                                             $65,658  $124,694
                                                             -------  --------
                                                             -------  --------



     EchoStar presently owns approximately 40% of the outstanding common stock
of Direct Broadcasting Satellite Corporation ("DBSC"). DBSC's principal assets
include an FCC conditional satellite construction permit and specific orbital
slot assignments for eleven DBS frequencies at 61.5 DEG.  WL and eleven DBS
frequencies at 175 DEG.  WL (the "DBS Rights"). EchoStar intends to merge DBSC
with Direct Broadcasting Satellite Corporation ("New DBSC"), a wholly owned
subsidiary of EchoStar (the "DBSC Merger"). The DBSC Merger has been approved by
DBSC shareholders but will not be consummated until the FCC has approved the
DBSC Merger. Although no assurances can be given, EchoStar expects the FCC to
issue an order with respect to the DBSC Merger in the near future. Assuming FCC
approval of the DBSC Merger, EchoStar will hold, through New DBSC, DBSC's DBS
Rights. On July 11, 1996, EchoStar filed Amendment No. 1 to a Registration
Statement on Form S-4 under the Securities Act covering 658,000 shares of
EchoStar Class A Common Stock that are intended to be issued in connection with
the DBSC Merger. 

FCC AUTHORIZATIONS

     FCC authorizations are recorded at cost and are amortized using the
straight-line method. Amortization periods for FCC authorization costs are
determined at the time the services related to the applicable FCC authorization
commences, or capitalized costs are written off at the time efforts to provide
services are abandoned. FCC authorization costs are expected to have a useful
life of approximately 12 years. The deposit on FCC authorization represents a


                                        9


<PAGE>
              ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

              CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
                                  (CONTINUED)

deposit paid by EchoStar to the FCC in January 1996, for 24 frequencies at
148 DEG.  WL. The balance due the FCC for the purchase of the frequencies of
$41.8 million will be drawn from the 1996 Escrow Account, and is payable to the
FCC five days after EchoStar receives FCC approval for use of the orbital slot.
 
SUBSCRIBER ACQUISITION COSTS

     For the purpose of attracting subscribers to the DISH Network-SM-, 
EchoStar has sponsored certain sales promotions through independent consumer 
electronics and satellite retailers. EchoStar effectively sells its 
proprietary DBS reception equipment to these retailers at less than cost 
under the condition consumers commit to subscribe and prepay for DISH 
Network-SM- programming service for a minimum of one year. The subscriber 
acquisition costs recorded represent the difference between the direct costs 
of the hardware and the revenue generated from the sales of the hardware. 
These costs have been deferred and are being amortized over the expected 
minimum life of the subscriber, currently estimated to be three years. Any 
unamortized investment with respect to subscribers who discontinue DISH 
Network-SM- service after one year but before the end of three years, will be 
fully amortized to expense at that time. EchoStar believes subscriber 
acquisition costs will be recovered through future revenue generated from 
sales of DISH Network-SM- programming. Amortization expense of subscriber 
acquisition costs for the three and six months ended June 30, 1996 was 
approximately $92,000.

DEFERRED PROGRAMMING REVENUE

     Deferred programming revenue consists of advance payments received from
programming providers and subscribers for satellite television programming to be
provided in future periods. The revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis
over the period the programming is provided.

INTEREST EXPENSE

     Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, on the accompanying income 
statements includes: (i) amortization of original issue discount on the 1994 
Notes and the 1996 Notes; (ii) interest expense on contractor financing of 
EchoStar I; (iii) interest expense on corporate mortgage debt; and (iv) 
discounts on accounts receivable for EchoStar Receiver Systems and DISH 
Network-SM-  programming which have been factored without credit recourse to 
third party financing groups.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

     Earnings per share have been calculated based on the weighted average
number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding and, if dilutive, common
stock equivalents (warrants and employee stock options) during the three and six
months ended June 30, 1995 and 1996. Net loss has been adjusted for cumulative
dividends on the 8% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock.

(3)   LONG-TERM DEBT

1994 NOTES

     On June 7, 1994, Dish, Ltd. completed the 1994 Notes Offering of 624,000
units consisting of $624.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 1994 Notes
and 3,744,000 Warrants. The 1994 Notes Offering resulted in net proceeds to
Dish, Ltd. of approximately $323.3 million. As of June 30, 1996, substantially
all of the Warrants issued in connection with the 1994 Notes Offering had been
exercised. Interest on the 1994 Notes currently is not payable in cash but
accrues through June 1, 1999, with the 1994 Notes accreting to $624.0 million by
that date. Thereafter, interest on the 1994 Notes will be payable in cash semi-
annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year, commencing December 1, 1999. At
June 30, 1996, the 1994 Notes were reflected in the accompanying financial
statements at $408.4 million, net of unamortized discount of $215.6 million.  


                                       10
<PAGE>

              ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

              CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
                                  (CONTINUED)


1996 NOTES

     On March 25, 1996, ESB completed the 1996 Notes Offering consisting of
$580.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 1996 Notes. The 1996 Notes
Offering resulted in net proceeds to ESB of approximately $337.0 million.
Interest on the 1996 Notes currently is not payable in cash but accrues through
March 15, 2000, with the 1996 Notes accreting to $580.0 million by that date.
Thereafter, interest on the 1996 Notes will be payable in cash semi-annually on
March 15 and September 15 of each year, commencing September 15, 2000. At June
30, 1996, the 1996 Notes were reflected in the accompanying financial statements
at $361.7 million, net of unamortized discount of $218.3 million.
 
(4)  BANK CREDIT FACILITY AND LETTERS OF CREDIT

     From May 1994 to May 1996, the principal subsidiaries of EchoStar, except
EchoStar Satellite Corporation ("ESC") (the "Borrowers"), were parties to an
agreement with Bank of America Illinois, which provided a revolving credit
facility (the "Credit Facility") for working capital advances and for letters of
credit necessary for inventory purchases and satellite construction payments.
The Credit Facility expired in May 1996 and EchoStar does not currently intend
to arrange a replacement credit facility. Instead, EchoStar is using available
cash to collateralize its letter of credit obligations, which historically was
the only significant use of the Credit Facility. At June 30, 1996, EchoStar had
cash collateralized $15.5 million of certain standby letters of credit for trade
purchases which is included in restricted cash and marketable securities in the
accompanying financial statements (Note 2).

(5)  INCOME TAXES

     The components of the benefit for income taxes were as follows (in
thousands):

                                       THREE MONTHS ENDED     SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                             JUNE 30,             JUNE 30,
                                       ------------------     ----------------
                                        1995       1996       1995        1996
                                        ----       ----       ----        ----

     Current (provision) benefit  
       Federal . . . . . . . . . .   $  (845)    $ 1,264    $(1,612)    $ 4,466
       State . . . . . . . . . . .      (177)        626       (371)        966
       Foreign . . . . . . . . . .      (274)          2       (451)       (120)
                                     --------    -------    --------    --------
                                      (1,296)      1,892     (2,434)      5,312
                                     --------    -------    --------    --------
     
     Deferred benefit
       Federal . . . . . . . . . .     1,766       9,820      3,816      11,101
       State . . . . . . . . . . .       365         343        808         433
                                     --------    -------    --------    --------
                                       2,131      10,163      4,624      11,534
                                     --------    -------    --------    --------
         Total benefit . . . . . .   $   835     $12,055    $ 2,190     $16,846
                                     --------    -------    --------    --------
                                     --------    -------    --------    --------


     EchoStar's deferred tax assets (approximately $25.5 million at June 30,
1996) relate principally to temporary differences for amortization of original
issue discount on the 1994 and 1996 Notes, net operating loss carryforwards and
various accrued expenses which are not deductible until paid. No valuation
allowance has been provided because EchoStar currently believes it is more
likely than not that these deferred assets will ultimately be realized. If
future operating results differ materially and adversely from EchoStar's current
expectations, its judgment regarding the need for a valuation allowance may
change.

(6)  OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

SATELLITE CONTRACTS

     EchoStar has contracted with Lockheed Martin Corporation ("Martin") for the
construction and delivery of high powered DBS satellites and for related
services. Martin has completed construction of both EchoStar I and EchoStar II
and is in the construction phase on EchoStar III and EchoStar IV. The
construction contract for EchoStar III contains a provision whereby, beginning
August 1, 1997, a PER DIEM penalty of $3,333, to a maximum of $100,000, is


                                         11


<PAGE>

              ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

              CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
                                  (CONTINUED)


payable if EchoStar III is not delivered by July 31, 1997. Beginning September
1, 1997, additional delays in the delivery of EchoStar III would result in
additional PER DIEM penalties of $33,333, up to a maximum of $5.0 million in the
aggregate.

     EchoStar has entered into a contract with Martin to begin the construction
phase of EchoStar's fourth DBS satellite ("EchoStar IV"). This contract contains
an option provision which allows EchoStar to instruct Martin to begin the
construction phase of a fifth DBS satellite ("EchoStar V"). The contract for
EchoStar IV also contains a provision whereby, beginning February 16, 1998, a
PER DIEM penalty of $50,000, to a maximum of $5.0 million in the aggregate, is
payable if EchoStar IV is not delivered by February 15, 1998. The contract also
contains a provision whereby Martin is entitled to an early delivery incentive
payment of $50,000 for each day before February 15, 1998 the satellite is
delivered to the launch site of Baikonur, Kazakhstan, up to a maximum of $5.0
million in the aggregate.

     Contractor financing of $28.0 million will be used for EchoStar II.
Contractor financing of $15.0 million will be used for both EchoStar III and IV.
Interest on the contractor financing will range between 7.75% and 8.25% and
principal payments are payable in equal monthly installments over five years
following the launch of the respective satellite.

     EchoStar has entered into a contract with Arianespace, Inc. ("Arianespace")
to launch EchoStar II from Korou, French Guiana (the "Arianespace Contract").
The launch is currently scheduled for September 1996 on a dedicated Ariane 42P
launch vehicle. The Arianespace Contract contains provisions entitling either
party to delay the launch in limited circumstances, subject to the payment of
penalties in some cases. As of June 30, 1996, EchoStar has paid Arianespace
approximately $43.4 million pursuant to the Arianespace Contract. All remaining
payments are payable monthly and will be due prior to the launch. Subsequent to
June 30, 1996, an additional payment relating to the launch totaling $17.4
million was made to Arianespace. 

     EchoStar has entered into a contract for launch services with Lockheed
Martin Commercial Launch Services, Inc. ("Lockheed") for the launch of EchoStar
III from Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida during the fall of 1997, subject to
delay or acceleration in certain circumstances (the "Lockheed Contract"). The
Lockheed Contract provides for launch of the satellite utilizing an Atlas IIAS
launch vehicle. EchoStar has made an initial payment to Lockheed of $5.0 million
and the remaining cost is payable in installments in accordance with the payment
schedule set forth in the Lockheed Contract, which requires that substantially
all payments be made to Lockheed prior to the launch.

     Subsequent to June 30, 1996, EchoStar and Martin amended the contracts for
the construction of EchoStar I and EchoStar II. As collateral security for
contractor financing of EchoStar I and EchoStar II, EchoStar was required to
provide a letter of credit prior to the launch of EchoStar II in the amount of
$10 million (increasing to more than $40 million by 1999) and the principal
stockholder of EchoStar pledged all of his Preferred Stock to Martin ("Preferred
Stock Guarantee"). Under the amended agreements, EchoStar will issue a corporate
guarantee covering all obligations to Martin with respect to the contractor
financing for EchoStar I and EchoStar II. In consideration for the receipt of
the corporate guarantee by EchoStar, Martin has agreed to eliminate the letter
of credit requirements, and to release the Preferred Stock Guarantee in
accordance with a specified formula based on the then outstanding contractor
financing debt and the market value of EchoStar's Class A Common Stock. This
transaction has been approved by EchoStar's board of directors with EchoStar's
principal stockholder abstaining from the vote. Additionally, EchoStar will
issue a corporate guarantee covering all obligations to Martin with respect to
the contractor financing for EchoStar III and EchoStar IV.

     EchoStar has contracted with Lockheed-Khrunichev-Energia-International,
Inc. ("LKE") for the launch of EchoStar IV during 1998 from the Kazakh Republic,
a territory of the former Soviet Union, utilizing a Proton launch vehicle (the
"LKE Contract"). Either party may request a delay in the relevant launch period,
subject to the payment of penalties based on the length of the delay and the
proximity of the request to the launch date. EchoStar has paid LKE $20.0 million
pursuant to the LKE Contract. No additional payments are currently required to
be made to LKE until 1997. 

                                         12
<PAGE>

              ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

              CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
                                  (CONTINUED)


PURCHASE COMMITMENTS

     EchoStar has entered into agreements with various manufacturers to purchase
DBS satellite receivers and related components manufactured based on EchoStar's
supplied specifications. As of June 30, 1996 the remaining commitments total
approximately $402.4 million. At June 30, 1996, the total of all outstanding
purchase order commitments with domestic and foreign suppliers was approximately
$419.2 million. All but approximately $189.2 million of the purchases related to
these commitments are expected to be made during 1996 and the remainder is
expected to be made during 1997. EchoStar expects to finance these purchases
from available cash, marketable investment securities and sales of its DISH
Network-SM- programming.

OTHER RISKS AND CONTINGENCIES      

     EchoStar is subject to legal proceedings and claims which arise in the
ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, the amount of
ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the
financial position or results of operations of EchoStar.

(7)  SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS

     The 1994 Notes are fully, unconditionally and jointly and severally
guaranteed by all subsidiaries of Dish, Ltd. (collectively, the "1994 Notes
Guarantors"), except for certain de minimis domestic and foreign subsidiaries.

     The 1996 Notes are initially guaranteed by EchoStar on a subordinated
basis. On and after the Dish Guarantee Date (as defined in the 1996 Notes
Indenture), the 1996 Notes will be guaranteed by Dish, Ltd., which guarantee
will rank PARI PASSU with all senior unsecured indebtedness of Dish, Ltd. On and
after the date upon which the DBSC Merger is consummated, the 1996 Notes will be
guaranteed by New DBSC, which guarantee will rank PARI PASSU with all senior
unsecured indebtedness of New DBSC. If the DBSC Merger is not consummated, New
DBSC will not be required to guarantee the 1996 Notes. There can be no assurance
that the DBSC Merger will be approved by the FCC or that it will be consummated
(Note 2). 

     The consolidated net assets of Dish, Ltd., including the non-guarantors,
exceeded the consolidated net assets of the 1994 Notes Guarantors by
approximately $277,000 and $180,000 as of December 31, 1995 and June 30, 1996,
respectively. Summarized consolidated financial information for Dish, Ltd. is as
follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED            SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                              JUNE 30,                     JUNE 30,
                                         ------------------           -----------------
                                         1995          1996           1995         1996
                                         ----          ----           ----         ----

<S>                                    <C>          <C>             <C>          <C>
   Income Statement Data --
     Revenue. . . . . . . . . . . .    $39,252      $ 69,354        $79,665      $110,380
     Expenses . . . . . . . . . . .     38,484        87,007         79,595       136,941
                                       -------      --------        -------      --------
     Operating income (loss). . . .        768       (17,653)            70       (26,561)
     Other income (expense), net. .     (3,432)       (8,642)        (6,329)      (11,876)
                                       -------      --------        -------      --------
     Net loss before income taxes .     (2,664)      (26,295)        (6,259)      (38,437)
     Benefit for income taxes . . .        851         9,097          2,206        13,949
                                       -------      --------        -------      --------
       Net loss . . . . . . . . . .    $(1,813)     $(17,198)       $(4,053)     $(24,488)
                                       -------      --------        -------      --------
                                       -------      --------        -------      -------- 
</TABLE>
                                        13

<PAGE>

              ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

              CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
                                  (CONTINUED)


                                                     DECEMBER 31,     JUNE 30,
                                                        1995            1996
                                                     ------------     --------
   Balance Sheet Data --
     Current assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $  81,858      $  92,162
     Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . .    333,199        390,358
     Other noncurrent assets . . . . . . . . . . . .    144,238        116,398
                                                      ---------      ---------
       Total assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 559,295      $ 598,918
                                                      ---------      ---------
                                                      ---------      ---------
     
     Current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $  50,743      $  81,723
     Long-term liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . .    415,662        448,949
     Stockholder's equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . .     92,890         68,246
                                                      ---------      ---------
       Total liabilities and stockholder's equity. .   $559,295       $598,918
                                                      ---------      ---------
                                                      ---------      ---------

                                       14
<PAGE>

                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


OVERVIEW

     EchoStar currently operates four related businesses: (i) operation of 
the DISH Network-SM- and continued development of the EchoStar DBS System; 
(ii) design, manufacture, marketing, installation and distribution of DTH 
products worldwide; (iii) domestic distribution of DTH programming; and (iv) 
consumer financing of EchoStar's domestic products and services. The growth 
of DBS service and equipment sales has had and will continue to have a 
material negative impact on EchoStar's domestic sales of C-band DTH products; 
however this negative impact has been more than offset for the six months 
ended June 30, 1996 by sales of EchoStar Receiver Systems. During March 1996 
EchoStar began broadcasting and selling programming packages available from 
the DISH Network-SM-. EchoStar expects to derive its revenue principally from 
monthly fees from subscribers to DISH Network-SM- programming and, to a 
lesser extent, from the sale of EchoStar Receiver Systems. As sales of 
EchoStar DBS programming and receivers increase, EchoStar expects the decline 
in its sales of domestic C-band DTH products to continue at an accelerated 
rate.

     EchoStar generally bills for DISH Network-SM- programming periodically 
in advance and recognizes revenue as service is provided. Revenue is a 
function of the number of subscribers, the mix of programming packages 
selected and the rates charged, and transaction fees for ancillary 
programming activities and satellite usage time agreements. DBS programming 
costs will generally be based upon the number of subscribers to each 
programming offering. From time to time EchoStar may engage in promotional 
activities that include discounted rates for limited periods, which will 
result in lower average revenue per subscriber for the applicable periods. 
Beginning in June 1996, EchoStar began marketing a special promotion in a 
limited number of markets pursuant to which consumers were able to purchase a 
discounted EchoStar Receiver System under the condition the consumer commits 
to subscribe and prepay for DISH Network-SM- programming service for a 
minimum of one year.  Under this promotion the consumer is able to purchase 
the discounted EchoStar Receiver System and prepay the annual programming 
package for as low as $499. The primary purpose of the promotion was to 
expand retail distribution, build awareness of the DISH Network-SM- brand and 
rapidly build a subscriber base. Due to positive retailer and consumer 
results, among other factors, effective August 1, 1996, EchoStar began a 
nationwide rollout of the promotion. While this promotion will significantly 
increase EchoStar's investment in its subscriber base, EchoStar believes that 
the increase in subscribers to its DISH Network-SM- and the corresponding 
increase in DBS programming revenue in future periods, resulting from this 
promotion, will be more than sufficient to recover the investment in 
subscriber acquisition costs. 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 COMPARED TO THREE AND SIX MONTHS 
ENDED JUNE 30, 1995

     REVENUE. Total revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 1996 
was $73.5 million and $115.0 million, respectively, an increase of $34.2 
million, or 87%, and $35.3 million, or 44%, respectively, as compared to 
total revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 1995 of $39.3 
million and $79.7 million, respectively. Revenue from domestic sales of DTH 
products for the three and six months ended June 30, 1996 was $50.9 million 
and $74.9 million, respectively, an increase of $31.5 million, or 163%, and 
$35.0 million, or 88%, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 1995. 
The increase in domestic revenue was primarily due to $43.5 million and $51.7 
million in revenue from the sale of EchoStar Receiver Systems during the 
three and six months ended June 30, 1996, respectively. There were no 
EchoStar Receiver System sales during the comparable periods in 1995. The 
increases in domestic revenue were principally offset by a decrease of $4.7 
million, or 50%, and $9.6 million, or 50%, in revenue from sales of C-band 
satellite receivers and related accessories, during the three and six months 
ended June 30, 1996, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 1995. 
Additionally, domestic revenue generated from satellite receivers sold for a 
competitor's DBS system ("Competitor DBS Receivers") decreased approximately 
$5.8 million, or 98%, and $4.8 million, or 37%, for the three and six months 
ended June 30, 1996, respectively, compared to the same periods in 1995. 
Revenue from Competitor DBS Receiver sales was $114,000 and $8.0 million for 
the three and six 

                                     15


<PAGE>

months ended June 30, 1996, respectively, as compared to $5.9 million and 
$12.8 million for the same periods in 1995. The increases in domestic revenue 
were also partially offset by a decrease of $2.4 million, or 61%, and $3.6 
million, or 53%, in revenue from sales of non-proprietary descrambler 
modules, during the three and six months ended June 30, 1996, as compared to 
the same periods in 1995. The domestic market for C-band DTH products 
continued to decline during the three and six months ended June 30, 1996, and 
this decline will continue with the growth of DBS service and equipment 
sales. Consistent with the increases in revenue noted above, EchoStar has 
experienced a corresponding increase in trade accounts receivable at June 30, 
1996, and expects this trend to continue with the nationwide rollout of the 
promotion discussed above.

     Domestically, EchoStar sold approximately 110,000 and 155,000 satellite 
receivers in the three and six months ended June 30, 1996, respectively, an 
increase of 323% and 193%, respectively as compared to approximately 26,000 
and 53,000 satellite receivers, respectively, for the same periods in 1995. 
Although there was an increase in the number of satellite receivers sold in 
1996 as compared to 1995, overall revenue did not increase proportionately as 
a result of a substantial shift in product mix to lower priced DBS receivers 
and related accessories, and an approximate 15% reduction in the average 
selling price of C-band satellite receivers. Included in the number of 
satellite receivers sold for the three and six months ended June 30, 1996 are 
approximately 103,000 and 120,000, respectively, EchoStar Receiver Systems. 
EchoStar Receiver System revenue represented approximately 59% and 45%, 
respectively, of total revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 
1996. 

     Also included in the number of satellite receivers sold for the three 
and six months ended June 30, 1996 are approximately 300 and 19,000, 
respectively, Competitor DBS Receivers as compared to 10,000 and 21,000, 
respectively, for the same periods in 1995. During the six months ended June 
30, 1996, the Competitor DBS Receivers were sold at an approximate 28% 
reduction in the average selling price as compared to the six months ended 
June 30, 1995. Competitor DBS Receiver revenue represented less than 1% and 
approximately 7% of total revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 
1996, respectively. EchoStar's agreement to distribute Competitor DBS 
Receiver systems terminated on December 31, 1995 and during the first half of 
1996, EchoStar sold all of its existing inventory of Competitor DBS 
Receivers. The elimination of Competitor DBS Receiver inventory has been more 
than offset by a substantial increase in inventory of EchoStar Receiver 
Systems and related components, the sale of which has more than offset the 
elimination of revenue derived from the sale of Competitor DBS Receivers.

     In future periods, domestic DTH product revenue will be primarily 
generated from the sale of EchoStar Receiver Systems and, to a lesser extent, 
sales of C-band DTH products and related accessories. Beginning in June 1996, 
EchoStar began marketing a special promotion in a limited number of markets 
pursuant to which consumers were able to purchase a discounted EchoStar 
Receiver System  under the condition the consumer commits to subscribe and 
prepay for DISH Network-SM- programming service for a minimum of one year. 
The primary purpose of the promotion was to expand retail distribution, build 
awareness of the DISH Network-SM- brand and rapidly build a subscriber base. 
Due to positive retailer and consumer results, among other factors, effective 
August 1, 1996, EchoStar began a nationwide rollout of the promotion. During 
the promotional period, EchoStar will not recognize any DTH product revenue 
or expense related to EchoStar Receiver Systems sold pursuant to this 
promotion. Instead, EchoStar will capitalize the difference between the 
direct costs of the EchoStar Receiver System and the related revenue 
generated from these sales. This difference will be deferred and will be 
amortized over the expected minimum life of the subscriber. EchoStar believes 
that the revenue generated from sales of DISH Network-SM- programming in 
future periods, resulting from this promotion, will more than offset the 
investment in subscriber acquisition costs.

     DISH Network-SM- programming revenue was $5.6 million and $6.0 million 
for the three and six months ended June 30, 1996, respectively. Since 
EchoStar did not begin broadcasting and selling programming packages 
available on the DISH Network-SM- service until March 1996, there was no DISH 
Network-SM- programming revenue generated during the comparable periods in 
1995. As of August 1, 1996, EchoStar had over 100,000 subscribers to DISH 
Network-SM-  programming.

     C-band programming revenue was $3.2 million and $6.6 million for the 
three and six months ended June 30, 1996, respectively, a decrease of 
$623,000, or 16%, and $1.0 million, or 14%, compared to the same periods in 
1995. The decrease is attributable to the industry-wide decline in domestic 
C-band equipment sales and the related decline in C-band DTH programming 
revenue. This decline in C-Band equipment sales and the related programming 
revenue is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. The expected 
decline in C-band DTH programming revenue in 1996 has been more than offset 
by sales of DISH Network-SM- programming.


                                      16


<PAGE>

     Loan origination and participation income for the three and six months
ended June 30, 1996 was $4.3 million and $5.1 million, respectively, an increase
of $3.7 million, or 653%, and $4.3 million, or 511%, respectively, compared to
the same periods in 1995. The increase in loan origination and participation
income for the three and six months ended June 30, 1996 was primarily due to
increased finance volume, including the financing of EchoStar Receiver Systems
and the availability of more comprehensive financing terms to EchoStar
subscribers. 

     Revenue from international sales of DTH products for the three and six
months ended June 30, 1996 was $9.5 million and $22.3 million, respectively, a
decrease of $6.0 million, or 39%, and  $8.9 million, or 29%, respectively, as
compared to the same periods in 1995. The decrease is directly attributable to a
decrease in the number of analog satellite receivers sold combined with
decreasing margins on products sold. Internationally, EchoStar sold
approximately 51,000 and 126,000 analog satellite receivers during the three and
six months ended June 30, 1996, a decrease of 46% and 30%, respectively,
compared to approximately 94,000 and 181,000 units sold during the same periods
in 1995. Overall, EchoStar's international markets for analog DTH products
declined during the three and six months ended June 30, 1996 as anticipation for
new international digital services continues to increase. This international
decline in demand for analog satellite receivers is similar to the decline which
has occurred in the United States and was expected by EchoStar. To offset this
anticipated decline in demand for analog satellite receivers, EchoStar has been
negotiating with digital service providers to distribute their proprietary
receivers in EchoStar's international markets. While EchoStar is actively
pursuing these distribution opportunities, no assurance can be given that such
negotiations will be successful.

     OPERATING EXPENSES. Costs of DTH products sold were $57.5 million and $90.3
million for the three and six months ended June 30, 1996, respectively, an
increase of $30.2 million, or 110%, and $33.5 million, or 59%, respectively, as
compared to the same periods in 1995.  The increase in DTH operating expenses
for 1996 resulted primarily from the increase in sales of DTH products.
Operating expenses for DTH products as a percentage of DTH product revenue were
95% and 93% for the three and six months ended June 30, 1996, respectively,
compared to 79% and 80% for the same periods in 1995, respectively. The increase
in operating expenses as a percent of revenue was principally the result of
declining sales prices of C-band DTH products and Competitor DBS Receivers as
described above, during the three and six months ended June 30, 1996 as compared
to the same periods in 1995. 

     In future periods, the costs of domestic DTH product sold will be 
primarily related to the sale of EchoStar Receiver Systems and, to a lesser 
extent, sales of C-band DTH products and related accessories. Beginning in 
June 1996, EchoStar began marketing a special promotion in a limited number 
of markets pursuant to which consumers were able to purchase a discounted 
EchoStar Receiver System  under the condition the consumer commits to 
subscribe and prepay for DISH Network-SM- programming service for a minimum 
of one year. The primary purpose of the promotion was to expand retail 
distribution, build awareness of the DISH Network-SM- brand and rapidly build 
a subscriber base. Due to positive retailer and consumer results, among other 
factors, effective August 1, 1996, EchoStar began a nationwide rollout of the 
promotion. During the promotional period, EchoStar will not recognize any DTH 
revenue or expense related to EchoStar Receiver Systems sold pursuant to this 
promotion. Instead, EchoStar will capitalize the difference between the 
direct costs of the EchoStar Receiver System and the related revenue 
generated from these sales. This difference will be deferred and will be 
amortized over the expected minimum life of the subscriber.

     The costs of DISH Network-SM- programming were $1.7 million and $1.8 
million for the three and six months ended June 30, 1996, respectively. Since 
EchoStar did not begin broadcasting and selling programming packages 
available on the DISH Network-SM- service until March 4, 1996, there were no 
DISH Network-SM- programming expenses incurred during the comparable periods 
in 1995. DISH Network-SM- programming costs as a percentage of DISH 
Network-SM- programming revenue were 30% and 29% for the three and six months 
ended June 30, 1996, respectively.

     The costs of C-band programming were $2.9 million and $6.1 million for 
the three and six months ended June 30, 1996, respectively, a decrease of 
$512,000, or 15%, and $766,000, or 11%, respectively, as compared to the same 
periods in 1995. This decrease is mainly attributable to the decrease in 
C-band programming revenue. C-band programming expenses as a percentage of 
C-band programming revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 

                                      17
<PAGE>

1996 were 90% and 91%, respectively, as compared to 89%, for each of the same 
periods in 1995. The increase in C-band programming expenses as a percentage 
of C-band programming revenue was principally the result of declining sales 
prices of C-band programming. As previously discussed, the domestic market 
for C-band DTH products has continued to decline with the growth of DBS 
service and equipment sales.

     SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Selling, general and 
administrative expenses were $19.1 million and $29.8 million for the three 
and six months ended June 30, 1996, respectively, an increase of $11.8 
million, or 161%, and $14.6 million, or 96%, respectively, as compared to the 
same periods in 1995. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a 
percentage of total revenue increased to 26% for each of the three and six 
months ended June 30, 1996, as compared to 19% for each of the same periods 
in 1995. This increase was principally due to: (i) marketing and advertising 
prior to and in conjunction with the introduction of DISH Network-SM- 
service; (ii) increased personnel in all areas of the organization to support 
the DISH Network-SM-; (iii) costs related to the Digital Broadcast Center, 
which commenced operations in the third quarter of 1995; and (iv) costs 
associated with operating the DISH Network-SM- Call Center and related 
services which have been outsourced. In future periods, EchoStar believes 
that although selling, general and administrative expenses will continue to 
increase, such increase as a percentage of future revenue will decrease as 
subscribers are added and additional revenue from sales of DISH Network-SM- 
programming is generated.

     Research and development costs totaled $1.4 million and $2.6 million for 
the three and six months ended June 30, 1996, respectively, as compared to 
$1.2 million and $2.5 million for the same periods in 1995. The increase was 
principally due to increased research and development costs necessary to 
provide digital DBS satellite receivers to domestic and international 
markets, principally offset by a reduction research necessary to provide 
C-band receivers to domestic and international markets.

     EBITDA. As expected, EchoStar incurred operating losses for the three 
and six months ended June 30, 1996. EBITDA for the three and six months ended 
June 30, 1996 was a negative $7.6 million and a negative $12.9 million, 
respectively, a decrease of $8.8 million and $13.8 million, respectively, 
compared to the same periods in 1995. The decrease resulted from the factors 
affecting revenue and expenses discussed above. EBITDA represents earnings 
before interest income, interest expense net of other income, income taxes, 
depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is commonly used in the 
telecommunications industry to analyze companies on the basis of operating 
performance, leverage and liquidity. EBITDA is not intended to represent cash 
flows for the period, nor has it been presented as an alternative to 
operating income as an indicator of operating performance and should not be 
considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance 
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. 
EchoStar expects to continue to report operating losses in 1996.

     DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation for the three and six months 
ended June 30, 1996 was $6.4 million and $9.8 million, respectively, an 
increase of $6.0 million and $9.0 million, respectively, as compared to 
$406,000 and $769,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 1995. The 
overall increase primarily resulted from depreciation on the Digital 
Broadcast Center and EchoStar I which were placed in service during the 
fourth quarter of 1995 and the first quarter of 1996, respectively, and the 
amortization of subscriber acquisition costs discussed below.
     
     Also included within depreciation and amortization is amortization of
subscriber acquisition costs. For the purpose of attracting subscribers to the
DISH Network-SM-, EchoStar has sponsored certain sales promotions through
independent consumer electronics and satellite retailers. EchoStar effectively
sells its proprietary DBS reception equipment to these retailers at less than
cost under the condition consumers commit to subscribe and prepay for DISH
Network-SM- programming service for a minimum of one year. The subscriber
acquisition costs recorded represent the difference between the direct costs of
the hardware and the revenue generated from the sales of the hardware. These
costs have been deferred and are being amortized over the expected minimum life
of the subscriber, currently estimated to be three years. Any unamortized
investment with respect to subscribers who discontinue DISH Network-SM- service
after one year but before the end of three years, will be fully amortized to
expense at that time. EchoStar believes subscriber acquisition costs will be
recovered through future revenue generated from sales of DISH Network-SM-
programming. Amortization expense of  subscriber acquisition costs for the three
and six months ended June 30, 1996 was approximately $92,000. In future periods,
with the nationwide rollout of this promotion, amortization expense is expected
to be of a magnitude which significantly exceeds historical levels, even if the
promotional period is terminated in the near future.

     OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE. Other expense for the three and six months ended
June 30, 1996 was $20.6 million and $23.9 million, respectively, an increase of
$17.2 million, or 506%, and $17.6 million, or 281%, 


                                    18


<PAGE>

respectively, as compared to the same periods in 1995. The increase in other 
expense for the three and six month periods ending June 30, 1996 resulted 
primarily from an increase in interest expense resulting from the issuance of 
the 1996 Notes combined with an increase in discounts on accounts receivable 
for EchoStar Receiver Systems and DISH Network-SM-  programming which have 
been factored without credit recourse to third party financing groups. The 
increase was partially offset by an increase in interest income attributable 
to an increase in the balance of the escrow, cash and marketable securities 
account as a result of proceeds received from the issuance of the 1996 Notes.

     PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES. Income tax benefit for the three and six months
ended June 30, 1996 was $12.1 million and $16.8 million, respectively, compared
to income tax benefit of $835,000 and $2.2 million during the same periods in
1995. This increase is principally the result of changes in components of income
and expenses discussed above during the three and six months ended June 30,
1996. EchoStar's deferred tax assets (approximately $25.5 million at June 30,
1996) relate principally to temporary differences for amortization of original
issue discount on the 1994 and 1996 Notes, net operating loss carryforwards and
various accrued expenses which are not deductible until paid. No valuation
allowance has been provided because EchoStar currently believes it is more
likely than not that these deferred assets will ultimately be realized. If
future operating results differ materially and adversely from EchoStar's current
expectations, its judgment regarding the need for a valuation allowance may
change.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     EchoStar used approximately $16.7 million to maintain its operations for 
the six months ended June 30, 1996, as compared to $5.7 million used by 
operations for the same period in 1995. The cash required for operations for 
the six months ended June 30, 1996 was mainly a result of: (i) increases in 
trade accounts receivable related to increased sales of EchoStar Receiver 
Systems; (ii) increases in DBS receiver inventory; and (iii) increases in 
other current assets including prepaid in-orbit insurance on EchoStar I and 
amounts due from a consumer financing source, all partially offset by 
increases in deferred programming revenue. As EchoStar builds its DISH 
Network-SM-subscriber base, negative operating cash flow should be offset by 
an increase in revenue attributable to DISH Network-SM- programming. In the 
event subscriptions to DISH Network-SM- programming do not meet anticipated 
levels or the investment in subscriber acquisition costs continues to 
increase beyond planned levels, negative operating cash flow may continue for 
a longer period of time and could increase. 

     From May 1994 to May 1996, the principal subsidiaries of EchoStar, except
EchoStar Satellite Corporation ("ESC") (the "Borrowers"), were parties to an
agreement with Bank of America Illinois, which provided a revolving credit
facility (the "Credit Facility") for working capital advances and for letters of
credit necessary for inventory purchases and satellite construction payments.
EchoStar does not currently intend to arrange a replacement credit facility.
Instead, EchoStar is using available cash to collateralize its letter of credit
obligations, which historically was the only significant use of the Credit
Facility. At June 30, 1996, EchoStar had cash collateralized $15.5 million of
certain standby letters of credit for trade purchases which is included in
restricted cash and marketable securities in the accompanying financial
statements.

     During June 1994, EchoStar issued 624,000 units consisting of $624.0 
million principal amount of the 1994 Notes and 3,744,000 Warrants 
(representing 2,808,000 shares of EchoStar Class A Common Stock) for 
aggregate net proceeds of approximately $323.3 million, which were placed in 
the 1994 Escrow Account. As of June 30, 1996, substantially all of the 
Warrants issued in connection with the 1994 Notes Offering had been 
exercised. Through June 30, 1996, $322.9 million had been withdrawn from the 
1994 Escrow Account. At June 30, 1996, approximately $298.0 million of these 
proceeds had been applied to development and construction of the EchoStar DBS 
System and approximately $24.9 million had been applied to other permitted 
uses. As of June 30, 1996, approximately $22.9 million remained in the 1994 
Escrow Account, which included investment earnings, and was withdrawn on 
August 12, 1996 to partially fund insurance costs related to the launch of 
EchoStar II.

     In March 1996, ESB consummated a private placement of the 1996 Notes. On 
April 24, 1996, ESB filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the 
Securities Act to exchange the 1996 Notes for publicly registered notes which 
was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 
1996. As of August 1, 1996, all of the outstanding privately placed notes had 
been exchanged for the new publicly registered notes. ESB was formed in 
January 1996 for the purpose of the 1996 Notes Offering. EchoStar has 
contributed all of the outstanding capital stock of its wholly owned 
subsidiary, Dish, Ltd., to ESB. ESB issued 580,000 notes consisting of $580.0 
million 


                                      19


<PAGE>

principal amount of the 1996 Notes for aggregate net proceeds of 
approximately $337.0 million of which $177.3 million was placed in the 1996 
Escrow Account and the remaining $159.7 million is either included in cash 
and cash equivalents or marketable investment securities in the accompanying 
balance sheet at June 30, 1996, or has been expended for purposes described 
in the 1996 Notes Offering Prospectus. Through June 30, 1996, $19.3 million 
had been withdrawn from the 1996 Escrow Account for development and 
construction of EchoStar III and IV. As of June 30, 1996, approximately 
$160.4 million remained in the 1996 Escrow Account, which included investment 
earnings. Subsequent to June 30, 1996, an additional $5.0 million has been 
withdrawn from the 1996 Notes Escrow Account. Total cash on hand and 
marketable investment securities at June 30, 1996 were approximately $123.4 
million. EchoStar guarantees the 1996 Notes on a subordinated basis. 

     EchoStar's Equity Offering resulted in net proceeds of approximately 
$63.0 million. EchoStar's assets at June 30, 1996 included assets purchased 
with those proceeds. Substantially all of the proceeds from the Equity 
Offering were used: (i) to secure launches for a third and fourth satellite; 
(ii) to support, through loans to DBSC, construction of a third satellite; 
(iii) to purchase, for $4.0 million, convertible subordinated secured 
debentures from DBS Industries, Inc.; and (iv) for general corporate 
purposes, including the down payment for DBS frequencies purchased at 148 
DEG.  WL at the FCC Auction in January 1996, which will be reimbursed with 
the proceeds of the 1996 Notes Offering at the time the final payment for the 
frequencies is made to the FCC. 

     EchoStar anticipates expending an additional $60 million in working 
capital during the second half of 1996, including the investment in 
subscriber acquisition costs. This cash requirement could increase if any of 
the following occur, among other things: (i) subscriptions to DISH 
Network-SM- programming do not meet anticipated levels; (ii) actual expenses 
exceed present estimates; or (iii) investment in subscriber acquisition costs 
continues to increase beyond planned levels. In addition to the working 
capital requirements discussed above, during the second half of 1996, 
EchoStar expects to expend: (i) approximately $43.4 million in connection 
with the launch of EchoStar II; (ii) approximately $30.7 million for launch 
insurance on EchoStar II (which was partially funded with the remaining 
balance of the 1994 Escrow Account subsequent to June 30, 1996); (iii) 
approximately $8.3 million for in-orbit payments to Martin on EchoStar I and 
EchoStar II; (iv) approximately $38.0 million in connection with the launch 
of EchoStar III; (v) approximately $45.0 million for construction of EchoStar 
III and EchoStar IV; and (vi) approximately $41.8 million for the purchase of 
DBS frequencies at 148 DEG. WL, which is due to the FCC five days after 
EchoStar receives FCC approval for use of these frequencies. Funds for these 
expenditures are expected to come from the 1996 Notes Escrow Account and 
available cash and marketable investment securities. Beyond 1997, EchoStar 
will expend approximately $68.1 million on contractor financing debt related 
to EchoStar I and EchoStar II. Additionally, EchoStar has committed to expend 
approximately $225 million to build, launch and support EchoStar III and 
EchoStar IV in 1997 and beyond. In order to continue to build, launch and 
support EchoStar III and EchoStar IV beyond the first quarter of 1997, 
EchoStar will need additional capital. Even if EchoStar terminates the 
construction contracts with Martin for the construction of EchoStar III and 
EchoStar IV, EchoStar will need additional capital as a result of termination 
penalties contained in the contracts. There can be no assurances that 
additional capital will be available, or, if available, that it will be 
available on terms favorable to EchoStar.

     EchoStar expects net losses to continue as it builds its subscription
television business, and therefore, absent additional capital, EchoStar expects
negative stockholders' equity to result before December 31, 1997. Although the
negative equity position has significant implications, including, but not
limited to, non-compliance with NASDAQ listing criteria, which could result in
delisting, EchoStar believes this event will not materially affect the
implementation and execution of its business strategy. While EchoStar believes
it will be able to obtain a waiver from NASDAQ and remain listed, no assurance
can be given NASDAQ will grant a waiver. Delisting would result in a decline in
EchoStar's common stock trading market which could potentially depress stock and
bond prices, among other things.

     EchoStar has entered into a contract with Martin to begin the construction
phase of EchoStar's fourth DBS satellite ("EchoStar IV"). This contract also
contains an option provision which allows EchoStar to instruct Martin to begin
the construction phase of a fifth DBS satellite ("EchoStar V").  Contractor
financing of $15.0 million will be used for construction of EchoStar IV.
Concurrent with execution of this contract, EchoStar waived all penalties due
from Martin for the late delivery of EchoStar I and EchoStar II.

     Subsequent to June 30, 1996, EchoStar and Martin amended the contracts for
the construction of EchoStar I and EchoStar II. As collateral security for
contractor financing of EchoStar I and EchoStar II, EchoStar was required to
provide a letter of credit prior to the launch of EchoStar II in the amount of
$10 million (increasing to more than $40 million by 1999) and the principal
stockholder of EchoStar pledged all of his Preferred Stock to Martin ("Preferred


                                      20
<PAGE>


Stock Guarantee"). Under the amended agreements, EchoStar will issue a corporate
guarantee covering all obligations to Martin with respect to the contractor
financing for EchoStar I and EchoStar II. In consideration for the receipt of
the corporate guarantee by EchoStar, Martin has agreed to eliminate the letter
of credit requirements, and to release the Preferred Stock Guarantee in
accordance with a specified formula based on the then outstanding contractor
financing debt and the market value of EchoStar's Class A Common Stock. This
transaction has been approved by EchoStar's board of directors with EchoStar's
principal stockholder abstaining from the vote. Additionally, EchoStar will
issue a corporate guarantee covering all obligations to Martin with respect to
the contractor financing for EchoStar III and EchoStar IV.

     In addition to the commitments described above, EchoStar has entered into
agreements to purchase DBS satellite receivers and related components for the
EchoStar DBS System. As of June 30, 1996 those purchase order commitments
totaled approximately $402.4 million. At June 30, 1996, the total of all
outstanding purchase order commitments with domestic and foreign suppliers was
approximately $419.2 million. All but approximately $189.2 million of the
purchases related to these commitments are expected to be made during 1996 and
the remainder is expected to be made during 1997. EchoStar expects to finance
these commitments from available cash, marketable investment securities and
sales of its DISH Network-SM- programming.

     EchoStar had outstanding $415.7 million and $806.5 million of long-term
debt (including the 1994 and 1996 Notes, deferred satellite contract payments on
EchoStar I and mortgage debt) as of December 31, 1995 and June 30, 1996,
respectively. In addition, because interest on the 1994 Notes is not payable
currently in cash but accrues through June 1, 1999, the 1994 Notes will accrete
by $215.6 million through that date. Similarly, because interest on the 1996
Notes is not payable in cash but accrues through March 15, 2000, the 1996 Notes
will accrete by $218.3 million through that date. Contractor financing of $28.0
million will be used for EchoStar II. Contractor financing of $15.0 million will
be used for both EchoStar III and IV. Interest on the contractor financing will
range between 7.75% and 8.25% and principal payments are payable in equal
monthly installments over five years following the launch of the respective
satellite.

AVAILABILITY OF OPERATING CASH FLOW TO ECHOSTAR

     The 1994 and 1996 Notes Indentures impose various restrictions on the
transfer of funds among EchoStar and its subsidiaries. Although the 1996 Notes
are collateralized by the stock of Dish, Ltd., various assets expected to form
an integral part of the EchoStar DBS System (and not otherwise encumbered by the
1994 Notes Indenture), and guarantees of EchoStar and certain of its other
subsidiaries, ESB's ability to fund interest and principal payments on the 1996
Notes will depend on successful operation and the acquisition of an adequate
number of subscribers to the DISH Network-SM- and ESB having access to available
cash flows generated by the DISH Network-SM-. If cash available to ESB is not
sufficient to service the 1996 Notes, EchoStar would be required to obtain cash
from other sources such as issuance of equity securities, new borrowings or
asset sales. There can be no assurance that those alternative sources would be
available, or available on favorable terms, or sufficient to meet debt service
requirements on the 1996 Notes.

OTHER

1994 AND 1996 NOTES

     EchoStar I was successfully launched by Great Wall in December 1995. In the
event of a launch failure of EchoStar II, Dish, Ltd. would first be required
under the 1994 Notes Indenture to make an offer to repurchase one-half of the
then accreted value of the 1994 Notes. In the event that EchoStar does not have
the right to use orbital slot authorizations granted by the FCC covering a
minimum of 21 transponders at a single full CONUS orbital slot, ESB and Dish,
Ltd. will be required to make an offer to repurchase all or a portion of the
outstanding 1996 Notes and 1994 Notes, respectively. Additionally, in the event
that EchoStar DBS Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar, fails to
obtain authorization from the FCC for frequencies purchased at the FCC Auction
in January 1996, or in the event that such authorization is revoked or
rescinded, ESB will be required under the 1996 Notes Indenture to repurchase the
maximum principal amount of the 1996 Notes that may be purchased with the
proceeds of any refund received from the FCC up to $52.3 million.

     If the DBSC Merger or similar transaction does not occur on or before March
1, 1997, ESB will be required to repurchase at least $83.0 million principal
amount of the 1996 Notes. Further, in the event that EchoStar incurs more 

                                      21
<PAGE>

than $7.8 million in expenses (as defined in the 1996 Notes Indenture) in 
connection with the DBSC Merger, ESB will be required to apply an amount 
equal to such expenses minus $7.8 million to an offer to repurchase the 
maximum principal amount of the 1996 Notes that may be purchased out of such 
proceeds.

     If any of the above described events were to occur, EchoStar's plan of
operations, including its liquidity, would be adversely affected and its current
business plan could not be fully implemented. Further, EchoStar's short-term
liquidity would be adversely affected in the event of: (i) significant delay in
the delivery of certain products and equipment necessary for operation of the
EchoStar DBS System; (ii) shortfalls in estimated levels of future operating
cash flows; or (iii) unanticipated expenses in connection with development of
the EchoStar DBS System.

RECEIVER MANUFACTURERS

     EchoStar has agreements with two manufacturers to supply DBS receivers for
EchoStar. To date, only one of the manufacturers has produced a receiver
acceptable to EchoStar. No assurances can be given that EchoStar's other
manufacturer will be able to produce an acceptable receiver in the future. Until
the other manufacturer produces a receiver acceptable to EchoStar, EchoStar is
dependent on one manufacturing source for its receivers. To date, EchoStar has
paid the non-performing manufacturer $10.0 million and has an additional $15.0
million in an escrow account as security for EchoStar's payment obligations
under that contract. If that manufacturer does not produce an acceptable
receiver in the near future, EchoStar may terminate that contract, which would
cause longer term dependence on a single manufacturing source. If EchoStar's
sole manufacturer is unable for any reason to produce receivers in a quantity
sufficient to meet demand, EchoStar's liquidity and results of operations may be
adversely affected. If the contract with EchoStar's other manufacturer is
terminated, there can be no assurance EchoStar would be able to recover all
amounts paid the manufacturer or otherwise held in escrow.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

     This Form 10-Q of EchoStar contains statements which constitute forward
looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Those statements
appear in a number of places in the Form 10-Q and include statements regarding
the intent, belief or current expectations of EchoStar with respect to, among
other things: (i) EchoStar's financing plans; (ii) trends affecting EchoStar's
financial conditions or results of operations; (iii) EchoStar's growth strategy;
(iv) EchoStar's anticipated results of future operations; and (v) regulatory
matters affecting EchoStar. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such
forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve
risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from
those projected in the forward looking statements as a result of various
factors.

EFFECTS OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

     The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for Impairment Of Long-Lived
Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of" ("SFAS No. 121"). EchoStar
adopted SFAS No. 121 in the first quarter of 1996 and its adoption has not had a
material impact on EchoStar's financial position, results of operations or cash
flows.

     Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-
Based Compensation" ("SFAS No. 123"), issued by FASB in October 1995 and
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995, encourages, but
does not require, a fair value based method of accounting for employee stock
options or similar equity instruments. It also allows an entity to elect to
continue to measure compensation cost under Accounting Principles Board Opinion
No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB No. 25"), but requires
pro forma disclosures of net income and earnings per share as if the fair value
based method of accounting had been applied. EchoStar intends to continue to
measure compensation cost under APB No. 25 and to comply with the pro forma
disclosure requirements. Therefore, this statement has had no impact on
EchoStar's results of operations. 


                                    22



<PAGE>

IMPACT OF INFLATION; BACKLOG

     Inflation has not materially affected EchoStar's operations during the 
past three years. EchoStar believes that its ability to increase charges for 
products and services in future periods will depend primarily on competitive 
pressures. EchoStar does not have any material backlog of its products. 


                                      23
<PAGE>

                                    PART II

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     EchoStar is a party to certain legal proceedings arising in the ordinary 
course of its business. EchoStar does not believe that any of these 
proceedings will have a material adverse affect on EchoStar's financial 
position or results of operations.

                                     24
<PAGE>


ITEM 6.        EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)  EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT NO.                                DESCRIPTION
- -----------                                -----------
 2.1*        Amended and Restated Agreement for Exchange of Stock and Merger,
             dated as of May 31, 1995, by and among EchoStar Communications
             Corporation, a Nevada corporation formed in April 1995 
             ("EchoStar"), Charles W. Ergen and EchoStar (incorporated herein
             by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Registration Statement 
             Form S-1, Registration No. 33-91276).

 2.2*        Agreement regarding purchase of debentures between Dish, Ltd.
             (formerly EchoStar Communications Corporation, a Nevada corporation
             formed in December 1993 ("Dish")), SSE Telecom, Inc. ("SSET"), 
             dated March 14, 1994, including Plan and Agreement of Merger, by 
             and among Dish, DirectSat Merger Corporation, DirectSat Corporation
             and SSET (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the
             Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 33-76450).

 3.1(a)*     Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of EchoStar
             (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1(a) to the
             Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 33-91276).

 3.1(b)*     Bylaws of EchoStar (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
             3.1(b) to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
             33-91276).

 4.1*        Indenture of Trust between Dish and First Trust National
             Association ("First Trust"), as Trustee (incorporated herein by
             reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish,
             Registration No. 33-76450).

 4.2*        Warrant Agreement between EchoStar and First Trust, as Warrant
             Agent (incorporated herein by reference to the Registration
             Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Registration No. 33-76450).

 4.3*        Security Agreement in favor of First Trust, as Trustee under the
             Indenture filed as Exhibit 4.1 (incorporated herein by reference to
             the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Registration No.
             33-76450).

 4.4*        Escrow and Disbursement Agreement between Dish and First Trust
             (incorporated herein by reference to the Registration Statement on
             Form S-1 of Dish, Registration No. 33-76450).

 4.5*        Pledge Agreement in favor of First Trust, as Trustee under the
             Indenture filed as Exhibit 4.1 herein (incorporated herein by
             reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish,
             Registration No. 33-76450).

 4.6*        Intercreditor Agreement among First Trust, Continental Bank, N.A.
             and Martin Marietta Corporation (Martin Marietta) (incorporated
             herein by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of
             Dish, Registration No. 33-76450).

 4.7*        Series A Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation of EchoStar
             (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the
             Registration Statement on Form S-1 of EchoStar, Registration No.
             33-91276).

 4.8*        Registration Rights Agreement by and between EchoStar and Charles
             W. Ergen (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the
             Registration Statement on Form S-1 of EchoStar, Registration No.
             33-91276).

 4.9*        Indenture of Trust between ESB and First Trust, as Trustee
             (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Annual
             Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar, Commission File No. 0-26176).

                                          25
<PAGE>

EXHIBIT NO.                                DESCRIPTION
- -----------                                -----------
 4.10*       Security Agreement of ESB in favor of First Trust, as Trustee under
             the Indenture filed as Exhibit 4.9 (incorporated herein by
             reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
             Echostar. Commission File No. 0-26176).

 4.11*       Escrow and Disbursement Agreement between ESB and First Trust
             (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to the Annual
             Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar. Commission File No. 0-26176).

 4.12*       Pledge Agreement of ESB in favor of First Trust, as Trustee under
             the Indenture filed as Exhibit 4.9 (incorporated herein by
             reference to Exhibit 4.12 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
             EchoStar, Commission File No. 0-26176).

 4.13*       Pledge Agreement of EchoStar in favor of First Trust, as Trustee
             under the Indenture filed as Exhibit 4.9 (incorporated herein by
             reference to Exhibit 4.13 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
             EchoStar, Commission File No. 0-26176).

 4.14*       Registration Rights Agreement by and between the Issuer, EchoStar,
             Dish, New DBSC and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities 
             Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to 
             the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar, Commission File 
             No. 0-26176).

 10.1(a)*    Satellite Construction Contract, dated as of February 6, 1990,
             between EchoStar Satellite Corporation ("ESC") and Martin Marietta
             Corporation as successor to General Electric EchoStar, Astro-Space
             Division ("General Electric") (incorporated herein by reference to
             the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Registration No.
             33-76450).

 10.1(b)*    First Amendment to the Satellite Construction Contract, dated as of
             October 2, 1992, between ESC and Martin Marietta as successor to
             General Electric (incorporated herein by reference to the
             Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Ltd. Registration No.
             33-76450).

 10.1(c)*    Second Amendment to the Satellite Construction Contract, dated as
             of October 30, 1992, between ESC and Martin Marietta as successor
             to General Electric (incorporated herein by reference to the
             Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Ltd. Registration No.
             33-76450).

 10.1(d)*    Third Amendment to the Satellite Construction Contract, dated as of
             April 1, 1993, between ESC and Martin Marietta (incorporated herein
             by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish,
             Ltd. Registration No. 33-76450).

 10.1(e)*    Fourth Amendment to the Satellite Construction Contract, dated as
             of August 19, 1993, between ESC and Martin Marietta (incorporated
             herein by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of
             Dish, Ltd. Registration No. 33-76450).

 10.1(f)*    Form of Fifth Amendment to the Satellite Construction Contract,
             between ESC and Martin Marietta (incorporated herein by reference
             to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of EchoStar, Registration
             No. 33-81234).

 10.1(g)*    Sixth Amendment to the Satellite Construction Contract, dated as of
             June 7, 1994, between ESC and Martin Marietta (incorporated herein
             by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of EchoStar,
             Registration No. 33-81234).

 10.1(h)     Eighth Amendment to the Satellite Construction Contract, dated as
             of July 18, 1996, between ESC and Martin Marietta.

 10.2*       Satellite Launch Contract, dated as of September 27, 1993, between
             ESC and the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (incorporated
             herein by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of
             Dish, Ltd. Registration No. 33-76450).

                                         26
<PAGE>

EXHIBIT NO.                                DESCRIPTION
- -----------                                -----------
 10.3*       Distributor Agreement, dated as of July 30, 1993, between
             Echosphere Corporation ("Echosphere") and Thomson Consumer
             Electronics, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to the
             Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Ltd. Registration No.
             33-76450).

 10.4*       Master Purchase and License Agreement, dated as of August 12, 1986,
             between Houston Tracker Systems, Inc. ("HTS") and Cable/Home
             Communications Corp. (a subsidiary of General Instruments
             Corporation) (incorporated herein by reference to the Registration
             Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Ltd. Registration No. 33-76450).

 10.5*       Master Purchase and License Agreement, dated as of June 18, 1986,
             between Echosphere and Cable/Home Communications Corp. (a
             subsidiary of General Instruments Corporation) (incorporated herein
             by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish,
             Ltd. Registration No. 33-76450).

 10.6*       Merchandising Financing Agreement, dated as of June 29, 1989,
             between Echo Acceptance Corporation ("EAC") and Household Retail
             Services, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to the
             Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Ltd. Registration No.
             33-76450).

 10.7*       Key Employee Bonus Plan, dated as of January 1, 1994 (incorporated
             herein by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of
             Dish, Ltd. Registration No. 33-76450).

 10.8*       Consulting Agreement, dated as of February 17, 1994, between ESC
             and Telesat Canada (incorporated herein by reference to the
             Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Ltd. Registration No.
             33-76450).

 10.9*       Form of Satellite Launch Insurance Declarations (incorporated
             herein by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of
             Dish, Ltd. Registration No. 33-76450).

 10.10*      Dish, Ltd. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by
             reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Ltd.,
             Registration No. 33-76450).

 10.11*      Form of Tracking, Telemetry and Control Contract between AT&T Corp.
             and ESC (incorporated herein by reference to the Registration
             Statement on Form S-8 of EchoStar, Registration No. 33-81234).

 10.12*      Manufacturing Agreement, dated as of March 22, 1995, between HTS
             and SCI Technology (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
             10.12 to the Registration Statement as Form S-1 of Dish, Ltd.,
             Commission File No. 33-81234).

 10.13*      Manufacturing Agreement dated as of April 14, 1995 by and between
             ESC and Sagem Group (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
             10.13 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of EchoStar,
             Registration No. 33-91276).

 10.14*      Statement of Work, dated January 31, 1995 from EchoStar Satellite
             Corporation Inc. to Divicom Inc. (incorporated herein by reference
             to Exhibit 10.14 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1,
             Registration No. 33-91276).

 10.15*      Launch Services Contract, dated as of June 2, 1995, by and between
             EchoStar Satellite Corporation and Lockheed-Khrunichev-Energia
             International, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
             10.15 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
             33-91276).

 10.16*      EchoStar 1995 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by
             reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registration Statement on Form
             S-1, Registration No. 33-91276).


                                        27
<PAGE>

EXHIBIT NO.                                DESCRIPTION
- -----------                                -----------
 10.17(a)    Eighth Amendment to Satellite Construction Contract, dated as of
             February 1, 1994, between DirectSat Corporation and Martin Marietta
             Corporation.

 10.17(b)    Tenth Amendment to Satellite Construction Contract, dated as of
             July 18, 1996, between DirectSat Corporation and Martin Marietta
             Corporation.

 10.18       Satellite Construction Contract, dated as of July 18, 1996, between
             EchoStar DBS Corporation and Lockheed Martin Corporation.

 11          Computation of Earnings Per Share for the three and six months 
             ended June 30, 1996.

 27          Financial Data Schedule
                              
______________
*    Incorporated by reference pursuant to Rule 12D-32 under the Securities and
     Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(b)  REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

     No current reports on Form 8-K were filed by EchoStar during the period 
covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

                                      28
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES



Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the 
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the 
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

EchoStar Communications Corporation



Date:  August 12, 1996           /s/  STEVEN B. SCHAVER 
                                 ------------------------------------------
                                 Steven B. Schaver
                                 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


                                 /s/  STEVEN B. SCHAVER 
                                 ------------------------------------------
                                 Steven B. Schaver
                                 Principal Financial Officer
     

                                     29


<PAGE>

                           AMENDMENT NO. 8

                           TO THE CONTRACT
                               BETWEEN

                    ECHOSTAR SATELLITE CORPORATION

                                 AND

                     MARTIN MARIETTA CORPORATION




This Amendment, is effective the 18th day of July 1996.

WITNESS THAT:

WHEREAS, EchoStar Satellite Corporation ("Buyer") and Martin Marietta 
Corporation ("Contractor"), mutually agree to amend the subject Contract to:

- -    revise ARTICLE 4 PAYMENT;

- -    revise ARTICLE 4A SPACECRAFT IN-ORBIT PAYMENT SECURITY;

- -    revise ARTICLE 20 ASSIGNMENT.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions 
contained herein, Buyer and Contractor agree to modify the Contract as 
follows:

<PAGE>



ARTICLE 4    PAYMENT

Delete paragraph F.6 in its entirety and replace with the following:

F.6 The In-Orbit payments, including the interest thereon, will be secured
    by a written corporate guarantee provided by EchoStar Communications 
    Corporation (ECC).  The security will be provided no later than
    thirty (30) days after the signing of this amendment.

ARTICLE 4A.  SPACECRAFT IN-ORBIT PAYMENT SECURITY

A.1 Delete in its entirety.

A.3 Add subparagraphs a and b as follows:

a.  Effective December 31, 1996, and on each June 30th and December 31st 
    thereafter (each a "Review Date"), provided that Buyer is not delinquent
    in any of its In-Orbit payments, Contractor shall perform the following
    calculation in order to determine the number of shares of preferred 
    stock (if any), which shall be released free and clear from the Escrow.
    The formula shall be:

    "A - ((B x 1.5)/C) = D",

    Where:

    "A" is equal to the number of preferred shares in the Escrow on the 
    applicable Review Date;

    "B" is equal to the total outstanding In-Orbit payments, plus interest, 
    due to Contractor on the applicable Review Date for the First Two Flights,
    less $30 million;

    "C" is equal to the average of the closing price of a share of ECC Class A
    Common Stock as quoted on the NASDAQ (or such other national securities 
    exchange on which ECC's Class A Common Stock is traded on the applicable
    Review Date) for the thirty business day period immediately preceding the
    applicable Review Date; and

    "D" is equal to the number of preferred shares to be released from 
    Escrow.

b.  In the event that "D" is equal to or less than zero, no shares shall be 
    returned.  In the event that "D" is greater than zero, Contractor shall 
    cause the appropriate number of preferred shares to be released from
    escrow and returned within thirty (30) business days of the applicable 
    Review Date.

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 20  ASSIGNMENT

Add new paragraph C as follows:

C.  Buyer consents to the assignment of this contract from Martin Marietta 
    Corporation to Lockheed Martin Corporation effective as of January 29, 
    1996.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Contract Amendment.

ECHOSTAR SATELLITE CORPORATION        MARTIN MARIETTA CORPORATION


By: /s/ David K. Moskowitz              By: /s/ Peter H. Wiggett
    ---------------------------           ---------------------------
    Senior Vice President                 Director Contracts
                                          Astrospace Commercial
Agreed as to the guarantee.

ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION


By: /s/ David K. Moskowitz
    ---------------------------
    Senior Vice President







<PAGE>


                   AMENDMENT NO. 8 TO CONTRACT
                             BETWEEN
                      DIRECTSAT CORPORATION
                      (HEREINAFTER "BUYER")
                               AND
                   MARTIN MARIETTA CORPORATION
                    (HEREINAFTER "CONTRACTOR")


This Amendment is effective as of the lst day of February 1994.

WITNESS THAT:

WHEREAS, DirectSat Corporation ("Buyer") and Martin Marietta Corporation
("Contractor"), mutually agree to amend the subject Contract to:

- -   revise pricing for three Satellites (Spacecraft Flight #1, #2 and #3),

- -   incorporate Long March launch vehicle compatibility for Spacecraft Flight 
    #1, #2 and #3,

- -   establish a revised payment profile,

- -   delete all of the previous terms and conditions of the Contract and 
    substitute the attached terms and conditions,

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions 
contained herein, Buyer and Contractor agree to modify the Contract as 
follows:

                                  Preamble-1


<PAGE>


                        TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Table of Contents is deleted and replaced with the following:

ARTICLE
1        Scope of Work
2        Equipment and Services to be Furnished and Prices Therefor
3        Delivery Schedule
4        Payment
5        Definitions
6        (Reserved)
7        Inspection and Final Acceptance
8        Title and Assumption of Risk
9        Access to Work
10       Progress Meetings, Presentations, and Documentation Deliverables
11       Rights in Data
12       Public Release of Information
13       Indemnification
14       Patent Indemnity
15       Indemnification for Taxes
16       Excusable Delays
17       Termination for Default
18       Termination for Convenience
19       Changes
20       Assignment
21       Warranty
22       Arbitration








                          Contents - 1

<PAGE>

                   TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE

23       Applicable Law
24       Entire Agreement
25       Disclosure and Use of Information by the Parties
26       Effective Date
27       Permits and Licenses
28       Limitation of Liability
29       Spacecraft Test and Handling Equipment
30       Liquidated Damages
31       Spacecraft Storage
32       Spacecraft Configuration
33       Release
34       Insurance
35       (Deleted)
36       (Deleted)








                          Contents - 1



<PAGE>

ARTICLE 1. SCOPE OF WORK

DELETE the text of this ARTICLE and replace it with:

The Contractor shall provide the necessary personnel, material, services, and 
facilities to perform work in accordance with the provisions of this 
Contract, including the EXHIBITS listed below, which are attached hereto and 
made a part hereof (the preliminary design effort for Spacecraft Flights #2 
and #3 is included as part of the services provided by Contractor for 
Spacecraft Flight #1), and to make delivery to Buyer as set forth in ARTICLE 
2 hereof in accordance with the delivery schedule specified in ARTICLE 3 
hereof:

- -   EXHIBIT A DirectSat Statement of Work (SOW) WS-02-20037400 
- -   EXHIBIT B1 DirectSat Spacecraft Performance Specification PS-02-20037400 
- -   EXHIBIT B2 DirectSat Spacecraft Performance Specification PS-02-20037400 
- -   EXHIBIT B3 DirectSat Spacecraft Performance Specification PS-02-20037400 
- -   EXHIBIT C DirectSat Comprehensive Test Plan PN-02-20037400
- -   EXHIBIT D DirectSat Product Assurance Program Plan PA-02-20037400

In the event of any inconsistency among or between the parts of this Contract 
set forth above, such inconsistency shall be resolved by giving precedence in 
the order of the parts as set forth below:

1.  Terms & Conditions, Satellite Contract Dated March 12, 1990, as amended
2.  DirectSat Statement of Work, EXHIBIT A
3.  DirectSat Spacecraft Performance Specification, EXHIBIT B1
4.  DirectSat Spacecraft Performance Specification, EXHIBIT B2
5.  DirectSat Spacecraft Performance Specification, EXHIBIT B3
6.  DirectSat Comprehensive Test Plan, EXHIBIT C
7.  Product Assurance Program Plan, EXHIBIT D

To the extent any references exist in the Contract to any of the previous 
Exhibits, they are hereby conformed to reflect the revised Exhibit numbers.

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 2. PRICE

DELETE this ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

ARTICLE 2. EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED AND PRICES THEREFOR

A.  Upon the full, satisfactory and timely completion and delivery, as required,
    of each item of work specified below, and acceptance by Buyer thereof in 
    accordance with the requirements of this Contract, Contractor shall be 
    entitled to payment by Buyer of the applicable fixed price specified below, 
    as such price may be adjusted in accordance with the provisions of the 
    Contract, except that the portion related to the In-Orbit payments, as 
    defined in ARTICLE 4, PAYMENT, paragraph B.2, C.2 and D.2, shall be paid as 
    set forth in ARTICLE 4. The prices stated below, which are inclusive of 
    In-Orbit payments provided in ARTICLE 4, PAYMENT, paragraphs B.2, C.2 and 
    D.2, include all transportation and related charges for delivery of 
    Spacecraft and associated equipment to destination.  Except as otherwise 
    provided for herein, the prices stated below include all applicable taxes 
    and all copyright and patent rights necessary to effectuate this Contract.  
    Sales, use, income and personal property taxes will be the responsibility 
    of the Buyer.

    ITEM QUANTITY  DESCRIPTION                            TOTAL PRICE
      
    1.   1          Spacecraft Flight #1 as defined         $81,000,500*
                    in EXHIBIT B1
    2.   1          Spacecraft Flight #2 as defined in       78,500,000**
                    EXHIBIT B2
    3.   1          Spacecraft Flight #3 as defined in       80,500,000**
                    EXHIBIT B3
    4.   1 Lot      Incentive Payments, present value       Included in Items 1,
                    as defined in ARTICLE 4, paragraphs B,  2 & 3
                    C, D and H                              ------------
                    TOTAL PRICE                            $240,000,500
      
*Total Price for Spacecraft Flight #1 is $82,812,500 including without 
limitation Satellite Control Facility compatibility, and the cost of delivery of
Spacecraft Flight #1 to Kourou, French Guiana for an Ariane launch, minus 
early payment discount of $1,812,000.

**The above prices for Spacecraft Flight #2 and Spacecraft Flight #3 are 
effective and valid through July 1, 1995.  The firm price for Spacecraft 
Flights #2 and #3 will be the above prices plus the percentage increase or 
decrease in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Indices SIC Code 3761 for Guided
Missiles and Space Vehicles, Average Hourly Earnings for the same period at 
the time the construction phase of these satellites commence.  The Payment 
Plan applicable to Spacecraft Flights #2 and #3 in ARTICLE 4. PAYMENT will 
be modified accordingly.  Further adjustments may be necessitated by 
non-availability of components in cases where suppliers cannot provide units 
identical to those procured under the baseline contract.

                               2-1

<PAGE>

B.  The Spacecraft will include some imported goods.  In the event the 
    Spacecraft and its included imported goods are not exported in a timely 
    manner due to the actions or inactions of Buyer, any duties and penalties 
    arising therefrom will be the responsibility of Buyer.  Contractor shall 
    pay such above duties and penalties as may be required by law to be so paid 
    and Buyer agrees to reimburse the Contractor for payments so made.

C.  For purposes of Spacecraft Flights #2 and 3, in the event any Spacecraft 
    component must be redesigned because of non-availability of piece parts or 
    any of Contractor's component suppliers are either out of business or are 
    no longer offering for sale the required item, part, assembly, subsystem or 
    system and subsequent substitution results in a material cost increase or 
    schedule delay to Contractor, Contractor shall be entitled to a price 
    increase and/or extension of the delivery dates set forth herein.








                               2-2

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 3.  DELIVERY SCHEDULE

DELETE the text of this ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

A.  Delivery of Spacecraft Flights #1, #2 and #3 shall be made at Contractor's 
    expense to either Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA, or Kourou, French 
    Guiana.  The term "Destination" as used herein shall refer to the 
    designated launch site set forth herein for the applicable spacecraft.

B.  Delivery shall be as indicated below:

              Item Description                         Delivery Date
              ---- -----------                         -------------
              1.   Spacecraft Flight #1, as defined in   07/17/1996
                   EXHIBIT B1
              
              2.   Spacecraft Flight #2, as defined in   07/01/1999
                   EXHIBIT B2
              
              3.   Spacecraft Flight #3, as defined in   07/02/2000
                   EXHIBIT B3
              
              4.   Launch and Mission Operation Support  09/10/1996
                   Services Spacecraft Flight #1
              
              5.   Launch and Mission Operation Support  10/01/1999
                   Services Spacecraft Flight #2
              
              6.   Launch and Mission Operation Support  10/02/2000
                   Services Spacecraft Flight #3
              







                               3-1


<PAGE>

ARTICLE 4. PAYMENT

DELETE the text of this ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

A. 1.    The total price stipulated in ARTICLE 2, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES TO BE
         FURNISHED AND PRICES THEREFOR, shall be paid by Buyer to Contractor in
         accordance with the payment arrangements specified in the following 
         Payment Plans.  The amounts specified in the Payment Plans shall in 
         each case be paid by Buyer to Contractor on the dates indicated.  
         Contractor shall submit an invoice for each payment approximately 
         thirty (30) days in advance of the payment due date.  Payment to 
         Contractor shall be made by either cable transfer to Citibank N.A. 
         ABA# 021000089, Lockheed Martin, Valley Forge Collection Center A/C
         #40678043, or by check payable to Lockheed Martin Corporation sent by 
         registered mail to the address and attention of the Lockheed Martin 
         representative designated in ARTICLE 10, PROGRESS MEETING, 
         PRESENTATIONS AND DOCUMENTATION DELIVERABLES, paragraph C. In the event
         Buyer elects to pay by other than certified check, Buyer's check must 
         be received by Contractor at least seven (7) working days before the 
         required payment date to insure that the funds are available to 
         Contractor on the payment date.

2.       Contractor shall not begin construction until the initial construction 
         phase payment is received by the Contractor.

3.       In the event that the commencement of construction phase payments are 
         delayed beyond July 1, 1996 for Spacecraft Flight #2. and July 1, 1997 
         for Spacecraft Flight #3, the Contractor will be entitled to an 
         equitable adjustment for price escalation and program extension costs 
         as well as delivery schedule for the respective Spacecraft Flights.








                               4-1


<PAGE>

B. Spacecraft Flight #1 PAYMENT PLAN

1.  The construction payments applicable to Spacecraft Flight #1 shall be 
    made as follows:

                          PAYMENT PLAN


      Payment  Due Date                    Amount $               Cumulative
      Number                                                      Amount $  

         *Through Design  Definition  Phase  March  6,  1994      312,500
         1    March 7, 1994                1,250,000              1,562,500

         2    April 7, 1994                625,000                2,187,500

         3    May 7, 1994                  625,000                2,812,500

         4    June 7, 1994                 685,000                3,497,500

         5    July 7, 1994                 1,272,000              4,769,500

         6    August 8, 1994               685,000                5,454,500

         7    September 7, 1994            685,000                6,139,500

         8    October 12, 1994             685,000                6,824,500

         9    November 9, 1994             2,660,000              9,484,500

         10   December 8, 1994             43,516,000             53,000,500

2.  In addition to the construction payments required above, Buyer shall pay 
    Spacecraft In-Orbit payments in the amount of $28,000,000.  The Spacecraft 
    In-Orbit payments shall be made in accordance with the requirements set 
    forth in paragraph H. of this ARTICLE.

3.  All contractual amounts with respect to Spacecraft Flight #1 have been paid 
    in full other than the In-Orbit payments referenced in paragraph B.2 of this
    ARTICLE.  The preconstruction phase design work for Spacecraft Flights #2 
    and #3 is included in the price of Spacecraft Flight #1 except for effort
    associated with unique orbital locations.  Contractor shall not be required 
    to perform further design effort for Spacecraft Flights #2 and #3 unless 
    provided an appropriate equitable adjustment.

C.  Spacecraft Flight #2 PAYMENT PLAN

1 . The construction phase payments applicable to Spacecraft Flight #2 shall 
    be made as follows:

                               4-2

<PAGE>

                 CONSTRUCTION PHASE PAYMENT PLAN

Construc-    Due Date               Amount $               Cumulative
tion Phase                                                 Amount $  
Payment   
Number    

1         July 1, 1996              1,750,000
          
2         August 1, 1996            1,750,000              3,500,000
          
3         September 1, 1996         1,750,000              5,250,000
          
4         October 2, 1996           1,750,000              7,000,000
          
5         November 1, 1996          1,800,000              8,800,000
          
6         December 2, 1996          1,800,000              10,600,000
          
7         January 2, 1997           1,800,000              12,400,000
          
8         February 3, 1997          1,800,000              14,200,000
          
9         March 3, 1997             1,800,000              16,000,000
          
10        April 1, 1997             1,800,000              17,800,000
          
11        May 1, 1997               1,800,000              19,600,000
          
12        June 2, 1997              1,800,000              21,400,000
          
13        July 1, 1997              1,800,000              23,200,000
          
14        August 1, 1997            1,800,000              25,000,000
          
15        September 1, 1997         1,800,000              26,800,000
          
16        October 1, 1997           1,800,000              28,600,000
          
17        November 3, 1997          1,800,000              30,400,000
          
18        December 1, 1997          1,800,000              32,300,000
          
19        January 2, 1998           1,800,000              34,000,000
          
20        February 2, 1998          1,800,000              35,800,000
          
21        March 1, 1998             1,800,000              37,600,000
          
22        April 1, 1998             1,800,000              39,400,000
          
23        May 1, 1998               1,800,000              41,200,000
          
24        June 1, 1998              1,800,000              43,000,000
          
25        July 1, 1998              1,800,000              45,000,000
          
26        August 3, 1998            2,000,000              47,000,000
          
27        September 1, 1998         2,000,000              49,000,000
          
28        October 1, 1998           2,000,000              51,000,000
          
29        November 2, 1998          2,000,000              53,000,000



                               4-3

<PAGE>

Construc-    Due Date               Amount $               Cumulative
tion Phase                                                 Amount $  
Payment   
Number    

30        December 1, 1998          2,000,000              55,000,000

31        January 4, 1999           2,000,000              57,000,000

32        February 1, 1999          2,000,000              59,000,000

33        March 1, 1999             2,000,000              61,000,000

34        April 1, 1999             2,000,000              63,000,000

35        May 1, 1999               1,300,000              64,300,000

36        June 1, 1999                500,000              64,800,000

37        July 1, 1999                600,000              65,400,000

38        August 2, 1999              300,000              65,700,000

39        September 1, 1999           200,000              65,900,000

40        October 1, 1999             100,000              66,000,000

2.  In addition to the construction payments required above, Buyer shall pay
    Spacecraft In-Orbit payments in the amount of $12,500,000.  The Spacecraft 
    In-Orbit payments shall be made in accordance with the requirements set 
    forth in paragraph H. of this ARTICLE.

D.  Spacecraft Flight #3 PAYMENT PLAN

1.  The construction phase payments applicable to Spacecraft Flight #3 shall be 
    made as follows:

                 CONSTRUCTION PHASE PAYMENT PLAN

Construc-    Due Date               Amount $               Cumulative
tion Phase                                                 Amount $  
Payment   
Number    

1         July 1, 1997                1,750,000
        
2         August 1, 1997              1,750,000              3,500,000

3         September 1, 1997           1,750,000              5,250,000

4         October 1, 1997             1,750,000              7,000,000

5         November 1, 1997            1,900,000              8,900,000

6         December 1, 1997            1,900,000              10,800,000

7         January 1998                1,900,000              12,700,000

8         February 1, 1998            1,900,000              14,600,000

9         March 1, 1998               1,900,000              16,500,000

10        April 1, 1998               1,900,000              18,400,000

11        May 1, 1998                 1,900,000              20,300,000

                               4-4

<PAGE>

12        June 1, 1998                1,900,000              22,200,000

13        July 1, 1998                1,900,000              24,100,000

14        August 1, 1998              1,900,000              26,000,000

15        September 1, 1998           1,900,000              27,900,000

16        October 1, 1998             1,900,000              29,800,000

17        November 1, 1998            1,900,000              31,700,000

18        December 1, 1998            1,900,000              33,600,000

19        January 1999                1,900,000              35,500,000

20        February 1, 1999            1,900,000              37,400,000

21        March 1, 1999               1,900,000              39,300,000

22        April 1, 1999               1,900,000              41,200,000

23        May 1, 1999                 1,900,000              43,100,000

24        June 1, 1999                1,900,000              45,000,000

25        July 1, 1999                2,000,000              47,000,000

26        August 2, 1999              2,000,000              49,000,000

27        September 1, 1999           2,000,000              51,000,000

28        October 1, 1999             2,000,000              53,000,000

29        November 1, 1999            2,000,000              55,000,000

30        December 1, 1999            2,000,000              57,000,000

31        January 3, 2000             2,000,000              59,000,000

32        February 1, 2000            2,000,000              61,000,000

33        March 3, 2000               2,000,000              63,000,000

34        April 1, 2000               2,000,000              65,000,000

35        May 1, 2000                 1,300,000              66,300,000

36        June 1, 2000                  500,000              66,800,000

37        July 3, 2000                  600,000              67,400,000

38        August 1, 2000                300,000              67,700,000

39        September 1, 2000             200,000              67,900,000

40        October 2, 2000               100,000              68,000,000

2.  In addition to the construction payments required above, Buyer shall pay 
    Spacecraft In-Orbit payments in the amount of $12,500,000.  The 
    Spacecraft In-Orbit payments shall be made in accordance with the 
    requirements set forth in paragraph H. of this ARTICLE.

                               4-5


<PAGE>


E.  SPACECRAFT IN-ORBIT PAYMENTS
1.  The Spacecraft In-Orbit payments for Spacecraft Flight #1 shall be paid over
    a period of five (5) years from launch.  The Spacecraft In-Orbit payments 
    for Spacecraft Flights #2 and #3, shall be paid over a maximum of seven (7)
    years from launch.  The specific repayment period for Spacecraft Flights #2
    and #3 shall be determined by Buyer ninety (90) days prior to launch.

2.  The In-Orbit payments shall be paid on an equal monthly basis (principal 
    and interest) until full payment has been received by Contractor.

3.  For Spacecraft Flight #1, the interest rate applicable to the monthly 
    In-Orbit payments shall fall between 7.75% and 8.25% per annum and shall
    be fixed 90 days prior to the scheduled launch and shall be calculated
    using the prime rate published in the WALL STREET JOURNAL on such date 
    as follows:

a.  if the prime rate falls between 7.75% and 8.25%, then the In-Orbit 
    payments shall accrue interest at the prime rate.

b.  if the prime rate is greater than 8.25%, then the In-Orbit payments 
    shall accrue interest at 8.25% per annum.

C.  if the prime rate is less than 7.75%, then the In-Orbit payments shall 
    accrue interest at 7.75% per annum.

4.  For Spacecraft Flights #2 through #3, the In-Orbit payments will accrue 
    interest at the WALL STREET JOURNAL prime rate from the date sixty (60)
    days after launch until full payment has been received by Contractor.
    For purposes of determining the WALL STREET JOURNAL prime rate,
    Buyer shall elect ninety (90) days prior to the Scheduled Launch Date 
    whether to fix the rate at the rate published in the WALL STREET JOURNAL
    on such date or to float the rate over the entire repayment period. In 
    the event Buyer elects to float the rate, the initial rate shall be the
    rate published in the WALL STREET JOURNAL ninety (90) days prior to the
    Scheduled Launch Date.  Thereafter, the rate shall be adjusted on the 
    first business day of every sixth month thereafter.

5.  The In-Orbit payments, including the interest thereon, will be secured 
    by an irrevocable letter of credit from a reputable financial institution
    or by other adequate security that is reasonably acceptable to Contractor.
    The security will be established and submitted to Contractor no later 
    than ninety (90) days prior to the Scheduled Launch Date.

6.  The Parties are willing to enter into good faith negotiations to establish
    an alternative to the schedule set out in E.1. above for the Spacecraft
    In-Orbit payments for Spacecraft Flight #1.

7.  The Buyer shall have the right to prepay In-Orbit payments at any time 
    without penalty for Spacecraft Flights #2 and #3.

                               4-6
<PAGE>

F. 1. During construction and prior to Launch, Buyer grants Contractor 
      a full security interest in all hardware, software and work in 
      process, including, without limitation, all parts, assemblies, 
      subsystems, systems and Spacecraft (collectively "Security"). 
      In the event of Buyer's default pursuant to ARTICLE 17, TERMINATION
      FOR DEFAULT, Contractor shall immediately assume ownership of 
      the entire Security.  Contractor, on behalf of Buyer, may take 
      whatever steps are necessary to effectuate transfer of ownership.
      Upon such transfer of ownership, Buyer shall have no further 
      interest in or rights to such Security.

2.    Notwithstanding paragraph F.1 above, in the event Buyer has 
      assigned this Contract pursuant to ARTICLE 20 ASSIGNMENT, and 
      such assignee defaults under ARTICLE 17 TERMINATION FOR
      DEFAULT, Contractor agrees that Buyer shall have the opportunity 
      to cure such default within thirty (30) days of the default by 
      the assignee.  Buyer may cure with respect to any individual 
      spacecraft without an obligation to cure the default with regard
      to all spacecraft. In the event Buyer properly cures such default,
      Contractor agrees to resume construction of the work hereunder 
      without any additional cost to Buyer as a result of the default.

3.    The Buyer represents and warrants that:

a.    the Buyer is the owner of the Security and has authorized the grant
      of a security interest in the Security to Contractor, and 

b.    no effective Uniform Commercial Code financing statement or other 
      instrument similar in effect covering all or any part of the Security
      is on file in any recording office.

4.    The Buyer covenants and warrants that unless compliance is waived by 
      Contractor in writing:

a.    the Buyer shall not create, incur, assume or suffer to exist, directly
      or indirectly, any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrances, 
      assignment, lien (statutory or other) or preference or priority or 
      other security agreement of any kind or nature whatsoever ("Liens") 
      upon any of the Security, except the security interest created hereby
      in favor of Contractor, without giving Contractor sixty (60) days 
      prior notice of the intended creation of such Liens;

b.    Contractor shall have the right to file Uniform Commercial Code 
      financing statements at any time during the term of this Contract to 
      perfect the security interest granted under this Contract.  In the 
      event Contractor exercises the right to file Uniform Commercial Code 
      financing statements, the Buyer agrees to execute any financing 
      statement, amended financing statements, continuation statements or 
      other documents from time to time which are deemed reasonably 
      necessary by Contractor to create, perfect, confirm or validate the 
      security interest granted under this Contract.


                                    4-7

<PAGE>

G.    Failure to make any payments required hereunder, or to post the required
      letter of credit or the taking of any action which restricts Contractor's
      unencumbered right to the Security set forth in paragraph F.1 above 
      shall constitute a default by Buyer subject to the provisions 
      of ARTICLE 17, TERMINATION FOR DEFAULT, paragraph F.

H. 1. For the Spacecraft delivered by Contractor which, following Launch, does
      not achieve Successful Injection, as defined in ARTICLE 5, DEFINITIONS,
      Contractor shall be entitled to receive for:

                Spacecraft Flight #1                       $28,000,000
                Spacecraft Flight #2                       $12,500,000
                Spacecraft Flight #3                       $12,500,000
                                                                         
   2. In the event Buyer is obligated to make payment to Contractor in 
      accordance with paragraph H.1 above, payment shall be due within ten (10)
      days from Buyer's receipt of the insurance proceeds required by 
      ARTICLE 34, INSURANCE.
                                                                         
   3. The above amounts shall be adjusted to reflect any changes in the 
      In-Orbit payment amounts set forth in paragraphs B.2, C.2 and D.2 of 
      this ARTICLE.
                                                                         
I.    In the event the Spacecraft is not launched within one hundred eighty
      (180) days after delivery and final acceptance, in accordance with
      ARTICLE 7, INSPECTION AND FINAL ACCEPTANCE, Buyer shall commence 
      making In-Orbit payments in accordance with the above as though launch
      of such Spacecraft had occurred.
                                                                         
J. 1. The Payment Plan set forth in paragraphs B., C. and D. of this ARTICLE
      are based on Contractor's successful and timely achievement of each 
      milestone set forth below. In the event that Contractor does not achieve
      any Milestone on or before the date set forth below, Buyer may suspend
      construction payments until such time as the Milestones are completed.
      Within five (5) days following Contractor's completion of any such 
      Milestone, Buyer shall pay Contractor for all payments that were 
      required to have been made but were not as a result of the suspension.
                                                                
                                                                
                                                                
                                                                
                                       4-8
<PAGE>

                               MILESTONE TABLE

MILESTONE       DATE                       DESCRIPTION
- ---------       ----                       -----------
1.            6 Months      Spacecraft Preliminary Design Review (SPDR)
2.            8 Months      Long Lead Parts Shown on Attachment A Hereto
3.           12 Months      Spacecraft Critical Design Review (SCDR)
4.           18 Months      Completion of Propulsion Subsystem
5.           24 Months      Delivery of All Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers
                            (TWTA's) to Integration and Test (I&T)
6.           28 Months      Begin Single Line Flow (As Shown in Figure 1-5 
                            of the Comprehensive Test Plan)
7.           30 Months      Thermal Vacuum Testing


2.  The dates in the Milestone Table represent months from first construction
    payment for each spacecraft.

3.  The above Milestone Table shall be Buyer's sole measurement of whether 
    Contractor is making adequate progress toward completion of the Spacecraft
    required hereunder.

K.  With respect to Spacecraft Flight #1, in the event that a joint effort 
    on the part of the Buyer and Contractor cannot obtain a favorable TT&C 
    frequency plan from the FCC as noted in Statement of Work, paragraph 4.1,
    Contractor shall, at Buyer's option, either spend a maximum of 
    $1.0 million to prepare ground TT&C stations for modification of Launch 
    and Mission Operation services to accommodate the frequency required by 
    the FCC or incorporate four command receivers all operating on the same 
    frequency or two on one frequency and the other two on a second frequency
    at no cost.  Buyer can choose between C-Band and K-Band for the 
    frequencies.  If Contractor disagrees with Buyer's selection, it can 
    implement an alternative solution that is authorized by the Contract but 
    at no additional cost to the Buyer.

L.  The first construction phase payment for any Spacecraft Flight shall be 
    due on the later of: (i) the date indicated in the Payment Plan; or 
    (ii) sixty (60) days following Buyer's receipt of Contractor's invoice, 
    followed by Buyer's written confirmation of receipt thereof.  Additional
    payments shall follow for each of the 39 months thereafter per the Payment
    Plan.

                                        4-9
<PAGE>

ARTICLE 5. DEFINITIONS

DELETE the text in the ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

A.  SUCCESSFUL INJECTION
    Injection of the Spacecraft shall be considered successful if:

1.  No damage to the Spacecraft occurs which can be shown to have resulted 
    from a launch vehicle malfunction.

2.  The elements of the transfer orbit established by the launch vehicle and
    the spin axis orientation at time of separation are within the three 
    sigma limits of the launch vehicle established by the Launch Agency.

3.  The Spacecraft has reached a Satisfactory Orbit and is deployed for 
    satisfactory operation.

B.  SATISFACTORY ORBIT
The spacecraft is deemed to have achieved a Satisfactory Orbit if the 
following conditions are satisfied:

1.  The spacecraft is located in the operational geostationary orbit 
    longitude position designated by Buyer.

2.  The spacecraft orbit parameters are specified as follows:

           (a)  Inclination tolerance is + or - 0.1 degrees
           (b)  Longitude tolerance is + or - 0.1 degrees

C.  LAUNCH

    For purposes of Spacecraft Flight #1 the term Launch means the 
    intentional ignition of launch vehicle propulsion systems causing upward 
    acceleration of the launch vehicle following the intentional removal
    of all mechanical restraints, if any, designed to prevent such upward 
    acceleration.

    For purposes of Spacecraft Flight's #2 and #3, the term Launch means:

    1.   For an Ariane, that point in time as indicated in the automatic 
         sequence control as the opening of the fuel and oxidizer valves 
         of the first stage engines of the launch vehicle.

    2.   For an Atlas, firing of the Atlas rocket engines at the designated
         time during the launch countdown as observed by generation of the 
         "main engine complete" signal.

                                     4-10
<PAGE>

ARTICLE 6. INCENTIVE PAYMENTS

DELETE this ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with new ARTICLE 6. to read:

ARTICLE 6. (RESERVE)








                                       6-1


<PAGE>

ARTICLE 7. INSPECTION AND FINAL ACCEPTANCE

DELETE the text of the ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

A.  INSPECTION

    Buyer, or its designated representative, shall have the right to witness 
    and review the results of the final acceptance testing at the system 
    level of the deliverable hardware at the facilities of Contractor.  To 
    allow Buyer to most effectively schedule the monitoring stated above, 
    Contractor shall give Buyer timely notification of the acceptance 
    testing of the deliverable hardware.
    
B.  Final Acceptance

    Final acceptance of the items to be delivered hereunder shall be in 
    accordance with the requirements of this Contract, including the 
    EXHIBITS.  Delivery and acceptance shall be as provided herein.
    
    1.   Each Spacecraft furnished under this Contract shall be tested by 
         Contractor, and in the case of Spacecraft to be delivered to 
         storage, shall be finally accepted by Buyer upon demonstration at 
         Contractor's facility, prior to delivery of Spacecraft to storage, 
         by means of test results obtained pursuant to the test 
         requirements set forth in EXHIBIT C, that the Spacecraft meets the 
         performance specifications set forth in EXHIBITS B1 and B2 for 
         Spacecraft Flights #1 and #2, respectively.
        
    2.   In the case of Spacecraft delivered for launch, upon arrival of 
         Spacecraft at the launch site, as required by EXHIBITS A1 and A2 
         for Spacecraft Flights #1 and #2, respectively, Contractor shall 
         promptly conduct an inspection and, if required, test the 
         Spacecraft, in accordance with the requirements of EXHIBIT C, in 
         the presence of Buyer.  Buyer shall either finally accept the 
         Spacecraft in writing or notify Contractor in writing of those 
         particulars in which the Spacecraft to be delivered does not meet 
         the requirements of this Contract.  Upon remedy of such 
         particulars to meet the requirements of this Contract, the 
         Spacecraft shall be deemed to have been delivered and finally 
         accepted.
    
    3.   Final acceptance of non-Spacecraft items shall take place after 
         delivery by Contractor to the destination and, if required, 
         completion of installation and inspection.  Buyer shall either 
         finally accept the item(s) in writing or notify Contractor in 
         writing of those particulars in which the items to be delivered do 
         not meet the requirements of this Contract.  Upon remedy of such 
         particulars to meet the requirements of this Contract, the item 
         involved shall be deemed to have been delivered and finally 
         accepted.
     
                                    7-1


<PAGE>

ARTICLE 8. TITLE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK

DELETE the text of the ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

A.  Unless otherwise stated herein, the following shall apply:

    1.   Title and risk of loss or damage to a Spacecraft shall pass to 
         Buyer at Launch, except that title and risk of loss or damage to a 
         Spacecraft delivered to storage shall pass as set forth in ARTICLE 
         31, SPACECRAFT STORAGE.

    2.   Title and risk of loss or damage to non-Spacecraft items shall pass
         to Buyer upon final acceptance.

B.  Buyer agrees to cause its insurer(s) to waive all rights of subrogation 
    against Contractor and its officers, agents, servants, subsidiaries and 
    employees.





                                         8-1


<PAGE>


ARTICLE 9. ACCESS TO WORK

DELETE the text of the ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

A.   For the purpose of observing the quality of Contractor's performance of 
     work, Contractor shall afford a limited number of Buyer's personnel 
     access to all work in process at Contractor's facility.  Contractor 
     will request and attempt to obtain similar access to work related to 
     Buyer's Spacecraft that is being performed at Contractor's major 
     subcontractors.
     
B.   Information disclosed to Buyer pursuant to this ARTICLE shall be 
     subject to the limitations set forth in ARTICLE 25, DISCLOSURE AND USE 
     OF INFORMATION BY THE PARTIES.
     
                                       9-1


<PAGE>

ARTICLE 10.  PROGRESS MEETINGS, PRESENTATIONS AND
             DOCUMENTATION DELIVERABLES

DELETE the text of the ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

A.  MEETINGS AND PRESENTATIONS

    In addition to any other meetings called for under the provisions of 
    this Contract and without limitation thereto, Contractor shall provide 
    the manpower, facilities, materials and support required to conduct the 
    following periodic meetings and presentations:

    1.    Informational Project Manager meetings.

    2.    Technical Review meetings as determined by Contractor's Project 
          Manager.

    3.    Quarterly Summary Executive Reviews.

    Copies of view graphs or other documents utilized during these meetings 
    shall be furnished or be made available to Buyer.  Buyer's management 
    personnel, as may be deemed appropriate by Buyer, shall be invited to 
    the Quarterly Summary Executive Reviews.  Contractor shall be 
    represented by its Project Manager and such other personnel as are 
    specifically required to support the particular presentation.  All 
    periodic meetings shall be held at Contractor's facility.

B.  DISTRIBUTION OF REPORTS

    All materials, reports and documentation furnished pursuant to this 
    ARTICLE shall be the property of Buyer subject to the limitations set 
    forth in ARTICLE 25, DISCLOSURE AND USE OF INFORMATION BY THE PARTIES, 
    except that, Contractor or its subcontractors may retain copies for 
    their own purposes, including the using of such materials and reports 
    in the performance of other contracts.

                                        10-1


<PAGE>


C.  CORRESPONDENCE

    All correspondence, including notices, reports and documentation 
    deliverables, to be provided to Buyer or Contractor under this Contract 
    shall be sent to Buyer or Contractor as follows:
    
    DirectSat Corporation        Martin Marietta Corporation, Astro Space 
    Daniel Moore                 Division                                 
                                 P.O. Box 800                             
                                 Princeton, NJ 08543-0800                 
                                 Attention: Mr. L.J. Kiefer               

                                 Phone: 609-490-6228
                                 Telecopy: 609-490-3395

D.  The only representatives of Buyer and Contractor authorized to sign 
    contractual documents are:

    BUYER                              CONTRACTOR       
    DirectSat Corporation              Mr. R.T. McFall  
    Daniel Moore                       Mr. T.D. Sisley  
                                       Mr. L.J. Kiefer  
                                       Mr. P.H. Wiggett 
                                       
Or others authorized by written        Or others authorized by written 
delegation of the DirectSat            delegation of Mr. R.T. McFall   
Board of Directors                     



                                     10-2

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 11.  RIGHTS IN DATA

DELETE the text of the ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

A.   Except as provided in paragraph B. below, Buyer shall have an unlimited 
     right to use, duplicate, and disclose the information contained in the 
     Programming and Control Handbook furnished pursuant to EXHIBITS A1 and A2 
     for Spacecraft Flights #1 and #2, respectively; however, if any written 
     material furnished as part of said document is copyrighted, Buyer shall 
     have an unlimited right to make copies of such copyrighted material 
     and to use such copies for any Buyer purpose without payment of 
     additional compensation to Contractor to the extent that Contractor has 
     the authority to grant such right.  In the event Contractor does not 
     have such right, Contractor will exert its best efforts to obtain such 
     rights for Buyer.

B.   All data that are or may be delivered or disclosed by either party to the 
     other shall be subject to ARTICLE 25, DISCLOSURE AND USE OF INFORMATION BY 
     THE PARTIES.

C.   Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the ownership and title to 
     copyrights and in computer programs and its related documentation 
     delivered to Buyer by Contractor in accordance with this Contract shall 
     remain in Contractor or its licensor.  Contractor shall grant to Buyer a 
     paid up non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use (including "to 
     duplicate" and "to adapt") solely for the Buyer Program, the copies of 
     computer programs and its related documentation specified in the 
     Contract required for the operation of articles deliverable under this 
     Contract.


                                     11-1


<PAGE>

ARTICLE 12.  PUBLIC RELEASE OF INFORMATION

DELETE the text of the ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

During the term of this Contract, neither party, its affiliates, 
subcontractors, employees, agents and consultants shall release items of 
publicity of any kind, including, without limitation, news releases, 
articles, brochures, advertisements, prepared speeches, company reports or 
other information releases, related to the work performed hereunder, 
including the denial or confirmation thereof, without the other party's prior 
written consent which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

                             12 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 13. INDEMNIFICATION

DELETE the text of the ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

A.  Each party shall indemnify and hold the other party and its officers, 
    agents, servants, subsidiaries and employees, or any of them harmless 
    from any loss, damage, liability or expense, resulting from damage to all 
    property, private or public, and injuries, including death, to persons 
    caused by any act or omission of the indemnifying Party and/or the 
    indemnifying Party's agents or representatives at any tier or any of 
    them, and at its expense shall defend any suits or other proceedings 
    brought against the indemnified Party and/or its officers, agents, 
    servants, subsidiaries and employees, or any of them, on account thereof, 
    and shall pay all expenses and satisfy all judgments which may be 
    incurred by or rendered against them, in connection therewith.  Either 
    Party shall have the right to settle any claim or litigation against 
    which it indemnities hereunder.  This ARTICLE is subject to ARTICLE 8, 
    TITLE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK.

B.  Further and notwithstanding any other provision hereof, Buyer shall 
    indemnify and hold harmless Contractor, its officers, agents, 
    subsidiaries, and employees from any liabilities, losses and damages 
    including costs, expenses and damages incurred by Contractor in 
    connection with any and all claims after passage of title thereto to 
    Buyer which shall occur in accordance with ARTICLE 8, TITLE AND 
    ASSUMPTION OF RISK, except any such liabilities, losses and damages that 
    are caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Contractor.  
    Buyer shall procure and maintain comprehensive general liability 
    insurance in an amount with insurers acceptable to contractor, which 
    insurance shall name me Contractor and the other indemnities hereunder as 
    insured.  Buyer shall furnish Contractor with a waiver of its insurance 
    carriers' rights of subrogation and with insurance obligations under this 
    ARTICLE.  Such insurance shall also provide that the insurers shall give 
    thirty (30) days prior notice to Contractor prior to the effective date 
    of cancellation or termination of such insurance.

C.  Contractor shall not be liable to Buyer, customers of Buyer or their 
    customers for any damages resulting: (i) any loss or destruction of the 
    Spacecraft or (ii) failure of the Spacecraft or its subsystems to operate 
    satisfactorily.  Buyer agrees to enter into suitable agreements with its 
    customers to effect the foregoing limitation of Contractor's liability.  
    Buyer also agrees to cause insurers to waive all right of subrogation 
    against Contractor and its employees.  The foregoing shall not relieve 
    Contractor of its obligations under ARTICLE 21, WARRANTY, of correction 
    or replacement during the warranty period set forth in such ARTICLE.

                             13 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 14.  PATENT INDEMNITY

DELETE the text of the ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

A.  Contractor shall defend Buyer from and against all claims, actions, suits 
    and proceedings alleging that the manufacture of any Spacecraft, 
    delivered under this Contract or the use, lease, sale or other 
    disposition of any such Spacecraft infringes any U.S. patent, and shall 
    pay any final judgment or settlement, provided Contractor is given prompt 
    written notice of any such claim, action, suit or proceeding and full 
    authority to resist, defend and settle such claim. Buyer shall provide at 
    Contractor's request such assistance and information as may be required 
    by Contractor.

B.  If an injunction or other order is obtained against the manufacture, use, 
    lease, sale or other disposition of any Spacecraft hereunder, Contractor 
    agrees to use its best efforts either to procure rights so that such 
    Spacecraft and the manufacture, use, lease, sale or other disposition 
    thereof is no longer infringing or to modify or replace such Spacecraft 
    so that it is no longer subject to such order.  In the event that such 
    injunction or order becomes permanent and that neither of the foregoing 
    alternatives is suitably accomplished and Contractor is unable to 
    reasonably perform its obligations hereunder, Buyer may proceed under 
    ARTICLE 17, TERMINATION FOR DEFAULT.

C.  While neither Party presently contemplates Buyer's providing Contractor 
    with any designs, specifications or instructions, in the event Buyer does 
    provide any designs, specifications or instructions, Buyer shall 
    indemnify and hold Contractor harmless against any expense, judgment or 
    loss for infringement of any U.S. patents or trademarks which result from 
    Contractor's compliance with such designs, specifications or instructions.

D.  No sales or lease hereunder shall convey any license by implication, 
    estoppel or otherwise, under any proprietary or patent rights of Buyer, 
    to practice any process with such product or part, or for the combination 
    of such product or part with any other product or part.

E.  Contractor shall not be liable for any costs or expenses incurred without 
    Contractor's written authorization and in no event shall Contractor's 
    total liability to Buyer under, or as a result of compliance with, the 
    provisions of this ARTICLE exceed the aggregate Spacecraft price for all 
    Spacecraft under construction or delivered.  Contractor shall in no event 
    be liable for loss of use or for incidental, indirect, or consequential 
    damages, whether in contract or in tort.  The foregoing states the entire 
    Warranty by Contractor and the exclusive remedy of Buyer, with respect to 
    any alleged patent infringement by such product or part.

                             14 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 15.  INDEMNIFICATION FOR TAXES

DELETE the text of the ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

Contractor shall assume responsibility, and shall save Buyer, its officers, 
agents, employees, servants, subsidiaries and assignees, or any of them, 
harmless from taxes, which may be required under present federal, state, or 
local laws and which become due by reason of the performance of work under 
this Contract, and shall execute and deliver such other and further 
documents, and comply with such requirements of said laws, as may be 
necessary thereunder to confirm and effectuate this Contract, including 
making  of payment of any interest or penalties related to or arising from 
such taxes.  It is Contractor's belief that no sales, use, income or 
personal property taxes will be incurred under this Contract as presently 
structured.  In the event that Buyer directs changes which result in the 
assessment of sales, use, income or personal property taxes which would not 
be payable absent such direction, Buyer shall be responsible for such taxes.

                             15 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 16. EXCUSABLE DELAYS

DELETE the text of the ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

Without limiting any other provision specifying what constitutes an excusable 
delay under this Contract, acts of God or of the public enemy; acts of the 
Government in its sovereign or contractual capacity, including Government 
priorities, allocations, regulations or orders affecting materials, 
facilities, or completed Spacecraft (including changes in the launch 
specifications in effect on the Date of this Amendment); fires; floods; 
snowstorms; earthquakes; epidemics; quarantine restrictions; strikes; wars; 
freight embargoes; or any similar events which cause failure or delay to 
perform hereunder, and in every case are beyond the reasonable control and 
without fault or negligence of Contractor or its subcontractors hereunder 
shall constitute an excusable delay, if notice thereof is given to Buyer as 
soon as possible but in no event later than within thirty (30) days after 
such event shall have occurred.  In the event of a delay resulting from any 
of the above causes, the delivery requirements shall be extended for the 
period of the excusable delay.

                             16 - 1

<PAGE>


ARTICLE 17.   TERMINATION FOR DEFAULT

A.  Buyer may, by written Notice of Default sent by registered letter to 
    Contractor, terminate the whole or any part of this Contract in any 
    one of the following circumstances:
    
1.  If Contractor fails to make delivery of the supplies or to perform the 
    services within the time specified herein.

2.  If Contractor fails to perform any of the other provisions of this 
    Contract or so fails to make progress as to endanger performance of 
    this Contract in accordance with its terms, and in either of these two 
    circumstances does not act to correct such failure within a period of 
    thirty (30) days (or such longer period as Buyer may authorize in 
    writing) after receipt of notice from Buyer specifying such failure.

B.  To the extent the Contract is terminated under this ARTICLE, Buyer 
    shall use all reasonable efforts to utilize all work in process 
    hereunder in order to mitigate any costs sustained by Buyer as a 
    result of Contractor's default.  Contractor will pay to Buyer all 
    costs reasonably incurred by Buyer in obtaining all of the work 
    described in ARTICLE 2, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED AND 
    PRICES THEREFORE, paragraph A., according to the schedule set forth in 
    ARTICLE 3, DELIVERY SCHEDULE, paragraph B., provided that Buyer enters 
    into a Contract for such work within twelve (12) months of 
    Contractor's default.

C.  If this Contract is terminated as provided in this ARTICLE, 
    Contractor shall:

1.  be paid the Contract price for items delivered.

2.  be paid the cost plus reasonable profit for work in process, materials 
    in stock and services for which Buyer takes delivery.

3.  protect and preserve property in the possession of Contractor in which 
    Buyer has an interest.

D.  The remedies set forth in this ARTICLE shall be the sole recourse to 
    which Buyer is entitled in the event of Contractor's default, and 
    Contractor shall have no liability for special, indirect, incidental 
    or consequential damages for lost profits or lost revenues.
    
E.  Subsequent to final acceptance of each of the Spacecraft pursuant to 
    paragraph B, of ARTICLE 7, INSPECTION AND FINAL ACCEPTANCE, the 
    provisions of this ARTICLE shall not affect payment of In-Orbit 
    payments under the terms of ARTICLE 4, PAYMENT, paragraphs B.2, C.2 
    and D.2 and ARTICLE 2,

                                         17-1



<PAGE>


    EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED AND PRICES THEREFORE.


F.  In the event Buyer fails to perform any obligation which it is 
    required to perform pursuant to this Contract, Contractor may, if 
    such failure is not corrected within thirty (30) days after written 
    notice of such failure is given by Contractor, stop work on this 
    Contract and consider this entire Contract to be terminated due to the 
    default of Buyer.  Contractor shall be entitled to compensation as set 
    forth in ARTICLE 18, TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE.  Further, Contractor 
    shall also be entitled to all of the Security set forth in ARTICLE 4, 
    PAYMENT, paragraph F.1.

G.  If, after notice of termination of the Contractor's right to proceed 
    under the provisions of this ARTICLE, it is determined for any reason 
    that the Contractor was not in default under the provisions of this 
    ARTICLE, or that the delay was excusable under the provisions of 
    ARTICLE 16, EXCUSABLE DELAYS, the rights and obligations of the 
    Parties shall be the same as if notice of termination had been issued 
    pursuant to ARTICLE 18, TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE.
    
                                        17-2

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 18.  TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE

DELETE the text of the ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

A.  Buyer, by written notice to Contractor, may terminate this Contract in 
    whole, or in part, for any reason or for Buyer's Convenience at any time 
    prior to final acceptance of all the work. In the event of termination by 
    the Buyer of any Spacecraft subsequent to the start of such Spacecraft's 
    construction, it is agreed that the termination charges shall be 
    negotiated but shall not exceed the total of the Total Price for the 
    Spacecraft so terminated as set forth in ARTICLE 2, EQUIPMENT AND 
    SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED AND PRICES THEREFORE, hereof.  The termination 
    charges shall include the total costs, both direct and indirect, 
    reasonably incurred by Contractor with respect to termination and 
    settlement with all vendors and subcontractors, plus a profit of fifteen 
    (15) percent.

B.  Direct and indirect costs shall be determined in accordance with 
    Contractor's standard accounting practice and shall be verified, at 
    Buyer's expense, by an independent Certified Public Accounting firm to be 
    mutually agreed upon by the Buyer and Contractor.

C.  Buyer shall pay Contractor the aforesaid termination charges within 
    thirty (30) days following the submission of an invoice.  Upon payment of 
    Contractor's invoice, Contractor shall deliver to Buyer all termination 
    inventory which has not been credited by Contractor against the 
    termination charges set forth in paragraph D.2 below.  In the event 
    Contractor's invoice is not paid within thirty (30) days following 
    submission, Buyer shall be in default pursuant to ARTICLE 17, TERMINATION 
    FOR DEFAULT, paragraph F.

D.  Final payment shall be in the amount of the total termination charges, 
    less the following:

    1.   Amounts previously paid by Buyer to Contractor with respect to the 
         terminated work pursuant to ARTICLE 4. PAYMENT. hereof; and

    2.   Amounts representing the total of Contractor's costs with respect to 
         the terminated work of segregable items of inventory not desired by 
         Buyer and which Contractor elects to retain for its use.


    In the event the amount set forth in this paragraph D. above exceeds the 
    termination charges defined in paragraph A. of this ARTICLE, Contractor 
    shall promptly refund such excess to Buyer.

E.  In no event shall the total amount paid to Contractor pursuant to this 
    Agreement, including termination charges paid pursuant to this ARTICLE, 
    exceed the total price stated in ARTICLE 2, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES TO BE 
    FURNISHED AND PRICES THEREFORE, hereof.

                             18 - 1

<PAGE>

F.  The provisions of this ARTICLE shall not affect the payment of In-Orbit
    payments under the terms of ARTICLE 4, PAYMENT, paragraphs B.2, C.2 
    and D.2, with respect to any spacecraft.

G.  Notwithstanding anything herein, Buyer's termination of any spacecraft,
    pursuant to this ARTICLE, shall constitute a termination of all 
    subsequent spacecraft.

H.  Contractor agrees to use all reasonable efforts to assist Buyer in 
    disposing/selling of the work in process upon termination pursuant to 
    this ARTICLE.

I.  On or after January 1, 1998, Contractor, by written notice to Buyer, 
    may notify Buyer of its intention to terminate this Contract one year 
    following the date of such notice with respect to all Spacecraft
    Flights for which Buyer has not made (and does not make) the first 
    construction phase payment prior to the expiration of such one year 
    period.  Such termination shall be effective as of the date one year
    following the date of notice.



                                18 - 2



<PAGE>

ARTICLE 19.      CHANGES

Buyer may, from time to time between the effective date and completion 
of this Contract, by written change order issued by Buyer, make changes 
within the general scope of this Contract in drawings, designs, 
specifications, method of shipment or packing, quantities of items to be 
furnished, place of delivery, postpone delivery, require additional 
work, or direct the omission of work.  If any such change causes an 
increase or decrease in costs of, or the time required for, the 
performance of this Contract, an equitable adjustment shall be made in 
the price, or delivery schedule, or both, and any other affected 
provision, and this Contract shall be modified in writing accordingly.  
Any claim by Contractor for adjustment under this paragraph shall be 
deemed waived unless asserted in writing within thirty (30) days from 
the date of receipt by Contractor of the change order.  The amount of 
the claim shall be stated when it is submitted, or at a later date, not 
to exceed sixty (60) days from the date for assertion of the claim, 
which later date shall be requested at the time of such submission. All 
changes and equitable adjustments pursuant to this ARTICLE shall be 
subject to negotiation between and approval by both Parties prior to the 
implementation of any such change.  Except for Excusable Delays pursuant 
to ARTICLE 16, EXCUSABLE DELAYS, none of the Contract dates will change 
unless authorized by Buyer.

                                 19 - 1
<PAGE>

ARTICLE 20.    ASSIGNMENT

DELETE the text of this ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

A.  Neither party shall assign or delegate this Contract or any of its 
    rights, duties, or obligations thereunder to any other person without the 
    prior express written approval of the other party, such approval shall 
    not be unreasonably denied.  Nothing contained in this ARTICLE shall 
    restrict Contractor from subcontracting work or procuring 
    parts/materials or services in the ordinary course of performance of 
    this Contract.

B.  Buyer may assign this Contract, provided Buyer can reasonably 
    demonstrate that any such proposed assignee is in at least as good 
    financial condition as the Buyer at the time of assignment and that the 
    Security set forth in ARTICLE 4, PAYMENT, paragraph F. will not be 
    impaired or degraded.

                              20 - 1


<PAGE>

ARTICLE 21.  WARRANTY

DELETE the text of the ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

A.  Contractor warrants that the goods or services furnshed hereunder shall be
    free from any defects in material or workmanship.

B.  Buyer shall have the right at any time during the period of this warranty
    and irrespective of prior inspections or acceptance to reject any goods or
    services not conforming to the above warranty and require that Contractor at
    its expense, correct or replace as promptly as is reasonably possible, at
    Contractor's option, such goods or services with conforming goods or
    services.

C.  For the Spacecraft, this warranty shall run for a period of one (1) year
    from the date of final acceptance by Buyer or until Intentional Ignition,
    whichever is sooner.

D.  Except for the Spacecraft, this warranty shall run for a period of one (1)
    year from the date of final acceptance by Buyer.

E.  Contractor shall pass on or assign to Buyer all warranties on goods or
    services given by suppliers or manufacturers other than Contractor to the
    extent to which Contractor is permitted by the terms of its purchase
    contracts with such suppliers or manufacturers.

F.  THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER STATUTORY,
    EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF
    MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  CONTRACTOR SHALL
    HAVE NO OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
    LIABILITY OR OTHER LEGAL OR EQUITABLE THEORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING,
    WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY LIABILITY FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT,
    OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR FOR BUYER'S COST OF EFFECTING COVER, OR
    FOR FAILURE OR NONPERFORMANCE OF PROPERTY OR FOR LOST PROFIT OR REVENUES.








                             21 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 22.  ARBITRATION

DELETE the text of the ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

A.  Any dispute or disagreement arising between the Parties in connection with
    any interpretation of any provision of this Contract, or the compliance or
    noncompliance therewith, or the validity or enforceability thereof, or any
    other dispute under any ARTICLE hereof which is not settled to the mutual
    satisfaction of the Parties within thirty (30) days (or such longer period
    as may be mutually agreed upon) from the date that either party informs the
    other, in writing, that such dispute or disagreement exists, shall be
    settled by arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules
    of the American Arbitration Association, in effect on the date that such
    notice is given.

B.  Either party which demands arbitration of the controversy shall, in 
    writing, specify the matter to be submitted to arbitration and, at the 
    same time, choose and nominate a competent person to act as an 
    arbitrator; thereupon, within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such 
    written notice, the other party to this agreement shall, in writing, 
    choose and nominate a competent arbitrator. The two arbitrators so 
    chosen shall meet and endeavor to resolve the question in dispute, and, 
    if they agree upon such determination, the determination so made shall be 
    in writing and signed by both arbitrators.  If such two arbitrators fail 
    to agree, they shall forthwith select a third arbitrator, giving written 
    notice to both Parties of the choice so made and fixing a time and place at 
    which both Parties may appear and be heard with respect to such 
    controversy.  In case the two arbitrators shall fail to agree upon a 
    third arbitrator within a period of seven (7) days, or if for any other 
    reason there shall be a lapse in the naming of an arbitrator or 
    arbitrators, or in the filling of a vacancy, or in the event of failure 
    or refusal of any arbitrator or arbitrators to attend or fulfill his or 
    their duties, then upon application by either Party to the controversy, 
    an arbitrator or arbitrators shall be named by the American Arbitration 
    Association.

C.  The arbitration award made shall be final and binding upon the Parties and
    judgment may be entered thereon, upon the application of either Party by any
    court having jurisdiction.  The relief that may be awarded by the
    arbitrators under any arbitration arising from this Contract may not exceed
    actual compensatory damages.  In no event may the arbitrators award punitive
    damages.

D.  Each party shall bear the cost of preparing and presenting its case, and the
    cost of arbitration, including the fees and expenses of the arbitrator or
    arbitrators, will be shared equally by the Parties unless the award
    otherwise provides.








                             22 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 23.  APPLICABLE LAW

DELETE the text of the ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

A.  This Contract shall be interpreted and enforced in accordance with the 
    laws of the State of New York.

B.  This Contract is subject to all applicable laws and regulations and each 
    Party agrees to comply with all such applicable laws and regulations.








                             23 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 24.  DISCLOSURE AND USE OF INFORMATION BY THE PARTIES

DELETE this ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with a new ARTICLE 24 as 
follows:

ARTICLE 24.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and 
supersedes all prior understandings, commitments, and representations with 
respect to the subject matter.  It may not be amended, modified, or 
terminated (other than as specifically provided in the ARTICLES hereof), and 
none of its provisions may be waived, except by a writing signed by an 
authorized representative of the Party against which the amendment, 
modification, termination or waiver is sought to be enforced. The paragraph 
headings herein shall not be considered in interpreting the text of this 
Contract.






                             24 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 25.  DISCLOSURE AND USE OF INFORMATION BY THE PARTIES

A.  If documents supplied by one party to the other are marked with a 
    proprietary legend, the receiving party shall take all necessary steps 
    to ensure that the documents and contents of such documents are not 
    disclosed to any person other than a person employed or engaged by the 
    receiving party, whether under subcontract or otherwise, for the 
    performance of this Contract.  Any such document supplied hereunder 
    shall be returned to the disclosing party together with any copies 
    thereof promptly upon written request of the disclosing party, except 
    for one copy to be retained for legal purposes.  Whenever the receiving 
    party makes copies of such proprietary documents for performance of 
    work covered by this Contract, the receiving party shall mark each such 
    copy as proprietary to the disclosing party.

B.  Any disclosure to any person permitted under paragraph A. of this 
    ARTICLE shall be made under the same conditions that apply to the 
    initial disclosure and shall extend only so far as may be necessary for 
    the purposes of this Contract.  Any such disclosure to a person other 
    than an employee of the receiving party shall be made pursuant to a 
    written confidential disclosure agreement or with prior written approval 
    of the disclosing party.

C.  Except with the written consent of the disclosing party, the receiving 
    party shall not make use of any document mentioned in paragraph A. of 
    this ARTICLE other than for the purposes of this Contract.

D.  The obligations and restrictions imposed by this ARTICLE shall not apply
    to the following:

1.  Information that is or becomes available to the public from a source 
    other than the receiving party, before or after the effective date of 
    this Contract.

2.  Information that is authorized for release in writing by the disclosing
     party.

3.  Information that is lawfully obtained by the receiving party from a 
    third party.

4.  Information that is known by the receiving party prior to such 
    disclosure.

5.  Information that is, at any time, developed by the receiving party 
    completely independently of any disclosure or disclosures from the 
    disclosing party.

6.  Information that is reasonably necessary to support a patent 
    application, the subject matter of which belongs to the receiving 
    party and which the receiving


                                25 - 1
<PAGE>

    party discloses to an appropriate Patent Agent or Patent Office and/or
    Court of any country in pursuance thereof.

E.  Neither party shall be liable for inadvertent or accidental disclosure
    of such information marked as proprietary if such disclosure occurs 
    despite both Parties exercising reasonable efforts to preserve and 
    safeguard such information.

F.  Neither party shall be liable for the disclosure of any technical 
    information of the other party pursuant to any legally enforceable 
    requirement of the U.S. Government, or any agency or department 
    thereof.

G.  No license, under any patents, is granted or implied by merely 
    conveying data or information under this Contract.

H.  Any proprietary disclosure to either party, if made orally, or visually,
    shall be identified at the time of disclosure and shall be promptly 
    confirmed in writing by the disclosing party and identified as 
    proprietary information, if the disclosing party wishes to keep such
    information proprietary under this Contract.

I.  The obligations of this ARTICLE shall be effective for a period of 
    three (3) years from the date of termination or expiration of this 
    Contract.




                                 25 - 2

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 26.      EFFECTIVE DATE

The term Effective Date of the Contract (EDC), as used in this Contract, 
shall mean the 12th day of March 1990.







                                  26 - 1
<PAGE>

ARTICLE 27.  LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

DELETE this ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with a new ARTICLE 27 as 
follows:

ARTICLE 27.  PERMITS AND LICENSES

A.  This Contract is subject to all applicable U.S. laws and regulations
    relating to the export of Spacecraft, technical data and other equipment and
    services being furnished pursuant to, or to be utilized in connection with,
    this Contract (hereinafter in this ARTICLE referred to as "Licensed Items")
    and to all applicable laws and regulations of the country or countries to
    which Spacecraft, technical data, and other equipment and services are
    exported or are sought to be exported.

B.  Contractor shall use its best efforts to obtain such U.S. Government
    approvals and licenses for export of the "Licensed Items." Buyer shall not
    be liable for any additional cost associated with Contractor processing any
    export license application for delivery of any Spacecraft.

C.  If, within a reasonable time, the U.S. Government fails to grant a required
    approval or license to Contractor to export the "Licensed Items" or revokes
    or suspends such an approval or license subsequent to its grant, or grants
    such a license or approval subject to conditions, this Contract shall,
    nevertheless, remain in full force and effect.  In the event of such U.S.
    Government action or inaction, deliveries and acceptance of all items to be
    furnished by Contractor shall be made at locations within the continental
    U.S. as agreed upon between the Parties.  Such U.S. Government action or
    inaction shall not otherwise modify in any way the rights and obligations
    of the Parties under this Contract except to relieve Contractor of any
    obligations which cannot be performed without such an approval or license
    and to make the price and delivery schedule subject to equitable adjustment
    in accordance with ARTICLE 19, CHANGES, to reflect the obligations of which
    Contractor is relieved.

D.  If, within a reasonable time, any foreign country or countries to which such
    "Licensed Items" are sought to be exported fails to grant a required
    approval or license or suspends or revokes a required approval or license
    subsequent to its grant, or grants a license subject to conditions,
    or if any foreign country or countries to which such "Licensed Items" are
    exported fails to grant an approval or licenses to utilize the "Licensed
    Items" for the purpose for which exported, this Contract shall,
    nevertheless, remain in full force and effect.  In the event of such
    foreign country or countries action or inaction, deliveries and acceptance
    of all items to be furnished by Contractor shall be made at locations within
    the continental U.S. as agreed upon between the Parties.  Such foreign
    government action or inaction shall not otherwise modify in any way the
    rights and obligations of the Parties under this Contract except to relieve
    Contractor of any obligations which cannot be performed without such an
    approval or license and to make the price and delivery schedule subject
    to equitable adjustment in accordance with ARTICLE 19, CHANGES, to
    reflect the obligations of which Contractor is relieved.








                             27 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 28.  SPACECRAFT TEST AND HANDLING EQUIPMENT

DELETE this ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with a new ARTICLE 28 as 
follows:

ARTICLE 28.  LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

In no event shall Contractor be liable, whether in contract, tort or 
otherwise, for special, incidental, indirect or consequential damages, 
including, without limitation, failure or non-performance of property or 
for lost profit or revenues.








                             28 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 29.  SECONDARY MARKET

DELETE this ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with a new ARTICLE 29 as 
follows:

ARTICLE 29.   SPACECRAFT TEST AND HANDLING EQUIPMENT

Contractor shall provide Spacecraft unique test and handling equipment 
at the Launch Site, during the period between delivery of the Spacecraft 
to the Launch Site, and final acceptance for use in connection with the 
inspection and final acceptance of the Spacecraft pursuant to ARTICLE 7, 
INSPECTION AND FINAL ACCEPTANCE.  Title to such equipment shall remain 
with Contractor.









                             29 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 30.      SPACECRAFT STORAGE

DELETE this ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

ARTICLE 30.      LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

A.  Contractor acknowledges that its failure to deliver Spacecraft Flight #1 
    to the launch site on or before the delivery dates set forth in ARTICLE 3,
    DELIVERY SCHEDULE, may cause serious damage to Buyer, the amount of 
    which may be difficult or impossible to prove. The amount of such 
    Liquidated Damages applicable to Spacecraft Flight #1 shall be $33,333 
    per day and shall not exceed a total of $5,000,000.  Contractor and 
    Buyer agree that such liquidated damages, without further proof of same, 
    shall be deemed to represent the damages actually sustained by reason of
    such delay.

B.  The liquidated damages are intended to be compensatory and do not 
    constitute a penalty.

C.  These amounts are firm, fixed and not subject to adjustment due to 
    changes in economic conditions.  The Contractor's total liability for 
    late delivery of Spacecraft Flight #1 shall not exceed the specified 
    liquidated damages.
    
D.  Any interval of excusable delays as defined in ARTICLE 16, EXCUSABLE 
    DELAYS, shall be excluded from the period for which liquidated damages 
    accrue.  However, such time period shall continue at the conclusion of 
    the excluded interval as if no such interruption had occurred.

E.  In the event Contractor is required to pay Buyer Liquidated Damages as 
    provided in this ARTICLE, the amount of any such payment shall be 
    applied against (reduce) the In-Orbit payments associated with the 
    applicable Spacecraft as set forth in ARTICLE 4, PAYMENT, paragraphs 
    B.2, C.2 and D.2.

                                   30 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 31.  SPACECRAFT STORAGE

A.  If as a result of a delay or failure to launch, through no fault of 
    Contractor, Buyer requests Contractor to store the Spacecraft within 
    sixty (60) days of completion of in-plant acceptance testing, the 
    Contractor shall store, at a site designated by Buyer and such site 
    shall be subject to the approval of Contractor, or if no site is 
    designated by Buyer, at a site designated by Contractor, one or more of 
    the Spacecraft delivered under this Contract.  Title and risk of loss to 
    the Spacecraft to be stored shall pass to Buyer after the first six (6) 
    months of storage and storage shall commence on that date on a 
    month-to-month basis.  The cost for the first six (6) months of storage 
    shall be the responsibility of Contractor. Should the Spacecraft remain 
    in storage beyond the six (6) month period, the provisions of ARTICLE 8 
    "TITLE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK" shall apply, and the Buyer shall be 
    responsible for all storage costs (in excess of six (6) months).  Buyer 
    shall be responsible, except in the event of negligence or willful 
    misconduct by the Contractor, for all transportation cost and insurance 
    to cover the risk and expense of loss or damage of the Spacecraft in 
    transit, (i) from Contractor's facility to storage, (ii) from its 
    facility to the storage site, (iii) from the storage site to the launch 
    site or (iv) if necessary, from the storage site to the refurbishment 
    site and then to the launch site.

B.  Upon the request of Buyer, the Contractor shall provide periodic 
    testing, necessary equipment, and environmental maintenance suitable for 
    prevention of deterioration to the Spacecraft during the period of 
    storage.  The cost for such service shall be subject to ARTICLE 19, 
    CHANGES, and shall be negotiated upon the request of such services by 
    Buyer.  Any deterioration to a Spacecraft while in storage shall be at 
    Buyer's risk and shall be corrected at Buyer's expense, unless such 
    deterioration is to be corrected by the Contractor under ARTICLE 21, 
    WARRANTY.

C.  If at any time after storage begins, Buyer elects to launch the stored 
    Spacecraft, the Contractor shall inspect, test and refurbish as 
    necessary such Spacecraft to a launch-ready condition and arrange for 
    transit to the launch site as directed by Buyer. The cost for such 
    services shall be subject to ARTICLE 19, CHANGES, and shall be 
    negotiated in good faith by the Contractor and Buyer at the time such 
    services are required.  Notwithstanding anything in this ARTICLE, 
    Contractor will be responsible for transportation from Contractor's 
    facility or any other Contractor selected facility to the launch site as 
    set forth in ARTICLE 3, DELIVERY SCHEDULE, paragraph A., provided that 
    such transportation occurs within six (6)  months of successful 
    completion of in-plant acceptance testing.

                                    31 - 1

<PAGE>

D.  In the event a Spacecraft is placed into storage as a result of 
    paragraph A. above, Contractor shall be entitled to commencement of the 
    In-Orbit payments associated with such Spacecraft in accordance with the 
    provisions of ARTICLE 4, PAYMENT.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the 
    event that Contractor's late delivery of the Spacecraft is the sole 
    cause of the Spacecraft having to be placed into storage, the In-Orbit 
    payments shall commence at the earlier of sixty (60) days after 
    Spacecraft launch or twenty-four (24) months from the placement of the 
    Satellite into storage.

                                     31 - 2


<PAGE>

ARTICLE 32.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT

DELETE this ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with a new ARTICLE 32 as 
follows:

ARTICLE 32.  SPACECRAFT CONFIGURATION

Buyer and Contractor recognize that Contractor may elect to phase out 
construction of Series 7000 configuration spacecraft prior to the 
commencement of construction of the Series 7000 spacecraft identified as 
Spacecraft Flights #2 and #3.  Accordingly, and at Contractor's sole option, 
upon Contractor's receipt of Buyer's initial construction payment for each 
such Spacecraft, Contractor may elect to substitute a comparable Series A2100 
spacecraft for each Series 7000 spacecraft.  Contractor shall be entitled to 
an equitable adjustment if Contractor substitutes a comparable Series A2100 
spacecraft for each Series 7000 spacecraft.

                             32 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 33.       OPTIONS

DELETE this ARTICLE in its entirety:

ARTICLE 33.       RELEASE

Both Parties hereto agree to waive and release each other from any and all
claims or associated liabilities either Party may have against the other 
Party arising prior to the execution of this Amendment.

                             33 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 34.       SATELLITE CONTROL NETWORK

DELETE this ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with a new ARTICLE 34 as 
follows:

ARTICLE 34.       INSURANCE

A.  In order to protect against financial losses associated with the risks 
    between Launch and continuing for five (5) years thereafter, Buyer, as 
    the representative party insured, shall enter into an insurance contract, 
    naming the Contractor as a party insured and covering the In-Orbit 
    payments specified in ARTICLE 4, PAYMENT, paragraphs B.2, C.2 and D.2. 
    Buyer shall bear all responsibility for payment of insurance premiums 
    associated with the aforementioned insurance policy.

B.  The details of the insurance Contract referred to in the preceding 
    paragraph shall be reasonably acceptable to Contractor.

C.  When the Buyer applies for insurance regarding risks relating to the 
    launching of the Spacecraft, the Contractor shall furnish Buyer with such 
    information regarding the Spacecraft as is requested by the insurers.

D.  When, after taking delivery of the Spacecraft, the Buyer applies for 
    insurance regarding risks of the Spacecraft's malfunctioning or 
    nonperformance during the life span specified for it in the Performance 
    Specifications, Contractor shall furnish the Buyer with such information 
    regarding the Spacecraft as is requested by the insurers.

E.  When Buyer obtains such insurance, Buyer agrees to cause its insurer(s) 
    to waive all rights of subrogation against Contractor and its officer, 
    agents, servants, subsidiaries and employees.

                             34 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 35.      LONG LEAD PARTS PROCUREMENT (LLPP)

DELETE this ARTICLE in its entirety.

                              35 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 36.       LAUNCH VEHICLE SERVICES OPTION

DELETE this ARTICLE in its entirety.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this AMENDMENT NUMBER EIGHT, 
including the Exhibits attached hereto, the Buyer and Contractor agree that, 
while Contractor is proceeding to include C-Band command receivers for 
Spacecraft Flight #1, Buyer's right to direct Contractor to incorporate 
K-Band command receivers for any satellite, including Spacecraft Flight #1, 
pursuant to Article 4, paragraph K, or any other applicable Contract 
provision, and any related rights of Buyer, and obligations of Contractor 
with respect to command and control are not intended to and are not modified 
hereby in any respect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment No. 8 to 
the Contract.

DIRECTSAT CORPORATION              MARTIN MARIETTA CORPORATION

By:   /s/ David K. Moskowitz        By:    /s/ Peter H. Wigget
      -----------------------             ----------------------
                                          Director Concepts

Title: Senior Vice President       Title: Astrospace Commercial
      -----------------------             ----------------------








                              36 - 1


<PAGE>
                   AMENDMENT NO. 10 TO CONTRACT
                             BETWEEN
                      DIRECTSAT CORPORATION
                     (HEREINAFTER "BUYER")
                               and
                   MARTIN MARIETTA CORPORATION
                    (HEREINAFTER "CONTRACTOR")


This Amendment is effective as of the 18th day of July 1996.
WITNESS THAT:

WHEREAS, DirectSat Corporation ("Buyer") and Martin Marietta Corporation 
("Contractor"), mutually agree to amend the subject Contract to:

- -   revise ARTICLE 4 PAYMENT;

- -   revise ARTICLE 4A SPACECRAFT IN-ORBIT PAYMENT SECURITY;

- -   revise ARTICLE 20 ASSIGNMENT;

- -   revise the signature block.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions 
contained herein, Buyer and Contractor agree to modify the Contract as 
follows:

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 4 PAYMENT

Delete paragraph F-5 in its entirety and replace with the following:

F.5  The In-Orbit payments, including the interest thereon, will be secured 
     by a written corporate guarantee provided by EchoStar Communications 
     Corporation (ECC). The security will be provided no later than thirty 
     (30) days after the signing of this amendment.

ARTICLE 4A. SPACECRAFT IN-ORBIT PAYMENT SECURITY

A.1 Delete in its entirety.

A.3 Add subparagraphs a and b as follows:

a.   Effective December 31, 1996, and on each June 30th and December 31st 
     thereafter (each a "Review Date"), provided that Buyer is not delinquent 
     in any of its In-Orbit payments, Contractor shall perform the following 
     calculation in order to determine the number of shares of preferred 
     stock (if any), which shall be released free and clear from the Escrow. 
     The formula shall be:

     "A - ((B x 1.5)/C) = D",

     Where:

     "A" is equal to the number of preferred shares in the Escrow on the      
     applicable Review Date;

     "B" is equal to the total outstanding In-Orbit payments, plus interest, due
     to Contractor on the applicable Review Date for the First Two Flights, 
     less $30 million;

     "C" is equal to the average of the closing price of a share of ECC Class A 
     Common Stock as quoted on the NASDAQ (or such other national securities 
     exchange on which ECC's Class A Common Stock is traded on the applicable 
     Review Date) for the thirty business day period immediately preceding 
     the applicable Review Date; and

     "D" is equal to the number of preferred shares to be released from Escrow.

b.   In the event that "D" is equal to or less than zero, no shares shall be 
     returned. In the event that "D" is greater than zero, Contractor shall 
     cause the appropriate number of preferred shares to be released from 
     escrow and returned within thirty (30) business days of the applicable 
     Review Date.

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 20 ASSIGNMENT

Add new paragraph C as follows:

C.   Buyer consents to the assignment of this contract from Martin Marietta 
     Corporation to Lockheed Martin Corporation effective as of January 29, 
     1996.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment to the 
Contract.

DIRECTSAT CORPORATION              MARTIN MARIETTA CORPORATION

By:   /s/ David K. Moskowitz       By:   /s/ Peter H. Wiggett
      -----------------------            ----------------------
                                          Director Contracts
Title: Senior Vice President       Title: Astrospace Commercial
      -----------------------            ----------------------

Agreed as to the guarantee.

ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS
CORPORATION

By:   /s/ David K. Moskowitz 
      ----------------------- 
                              
Title: Senior Vice President  
      ----------------------- 



<PAGE>

                       SATELLITE CONTRACT


                             between



                   LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION



                               and



                    ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION



                          JULY 18, 1996





<PAGE>

THIS CONTRACT dated as of the 18th day of July 1996, made between the 
Lockheed Martin Corporation (hereinafter referred to as "Contractor"), a 
corporation organized under the laws of the State of Maryland, having its 
principle place of business in East Windsor, New Jersey, and EchoStar DBS 
Corporation (hereinafter referred to as "Buyer" or "E-DBS"), a corporation 
organized under the laws of the State of Colorado, having its principle place 
of business at 90 Inverness Circle East, Englewood, Colorado.

WHEREAS, Buyer desires to purchase and Contractor desires to provide Direct 
Broadcasting Satellites and services as hereinafter specified, and Buyer and 
Contractor (hereinafter referred to as "Parties") desire to define the terms
and conditions under which the same shall be furnished;

NOW THEREFORE, the Parties hereto, in consideration of the mutual covenants 
herein expressed, agree as follows:

                            Preamble

<PAGE>

                        TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE
1        Scope of Work
2        Equipment and Services to be Furnished and Prices Therefore
3        Delivery Schedule
4        Payment
5        Definitions
6        (Reserved)
7        Inspection and Final Acceptance
8        Title and Assumption of Risk
9        Access to Work
10       Progress Meetings, Presentations, and Documentation Deliverables
11       Rights in Data
12       Public Release of Information
13       Indemnification
14       Patent Indemnity
15       Indemnification for Taxes
16       Excusable Delays
17       Termination for Default
18       Termination for Convenience
19       Changes
20       Assignment
21       Warranty
22       Arbitration
23       Applicable Law
24       Entire Agreement
25       Disclosure and Use of Information by the Parties
26       Effective Date
27       Permits and Licenses
28       Limitation of Liability
29       Spacecraft Test and Handling Equipment
30       Liquidated Damages
31       Spacecraft Storage
32       Reserved
33       Insurance

                                   i

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 1. SCOPE OF WORK

A.  The Contractor shall provide the necessary personnel, material, 
    services, and facilities to perform work in accordance with the 
    provisions of this Contract, including the EXHIBITS listed below, which 
    are attached hereto and made a part hereof (the preliminary design 
    effort for Spacecraft Flight #2 is included as part of the services 
    provided by Contractor for Spacecraft Flight #1), and to make delivery 
    to Buyer as set forth in ARTICLE 2 hereof in accordance with the 
    delivery schedule specified in ARTICLE 3 hereof:

    - EXHIBIT A1: E-DBS Statement of Work (SOW) WS-20055200 REV A 
    - EXHIBIT A2: E-DBS Statement of Work (SOW) WS-20055200 REV A
    - EXHIBIT B1: E-DBS Spacecraft Performance Specification PS-20055200 REV A
    - EXHIBIT B2: E-DBS Spacecraft Performance Specification PS-20055200 REV A
    - EXHIBIT C: E-DBS Comprehensive Test Plan PN-CTP20055200
    - EXHIBIT D: E-DBS Product Assurance Program Plan PA-20055200

    In the event of any inconsistency among or between the parts of this 
    Contract set forth above, such inconsistency shall be resolved by giving 
    precedence in the order of the parts as set forth below:

    1.  Terms & Conditions, Satellite Contract Dated July 14, 1996
    2.   E-DBS Statement of Work, EXHIBITS Al and A2
    3.   E-DBS Spacecraft Performance Specification, EXHIBITS B1 and B2
    4.   E-DBS Comprehensive Test Plan, EXHIBIT C
    5.   E-DBS Product Assurance Program Plan, EXHIBIT D

B.  While this Contract provides that both Spacecraft Flight #1 and 
    Spacecraft Flight #2 shall be DBS satellites, the parties agree that 
    subject to the provisions of ARTICLE 19, CHANGES, Buyer shall be 
    permitted to specify a payload other than DBS.

C.  While this Contract provides that both Spacecraft Flight #1 and 
    Spacecraft Flight #2 shall be base lined at 120 watts of power per 
    transponder in the non-boost mode, Contractor shall, as a goal, attempt 
    to increase the power per non-boosted transponder to 130 watts.

D.  No later than November 1, 1996 with respect to Spacecraft Flight #1., and 
    no later than five months following the first construction phase payment 
    for Spacecraft Flight #2, Buyer shall advise Contractor of the specific 
    orbital location and business plan for the transponders on each 
    satellite, respectively, and Contractor agrees that the Spacecraft will be 
    optimized (wave guide routing only) for that orbital location and business 
    plan.

E.  The following modifications to the Statement of Work shall promptly be  
    incorporated into the Statement of Work.


                                     1 - 1

<PAGE>

 1.  General Changes

     a.  Specific references to spacecraft, orbital slots, facility locations, 
         launch  vehicles, launch site locations, frequency tables, etc., shall 
         be changed to the  appropriate designation.

     b.  References to the Astro Space East Windsor facility/plant shall be 
         changed to  Lockheed Martin facility(ies).

 2.  Section 3.4: Buyer-Furnished Items for the Spacecraft (sheet 18)

     a.  Paragraph 6 shall be deleted (requirement to provide communications 
         and data lines).

     b.  Paragraph 9: Launch site security for a non-US launch.

         Delete paragraph 9 in its entirety.

     c.  Add paragraph 10:

         10. The Buyer shall provide the orbital slot and cities table (with 
             city priority identified) within 20 days following launch of 
             DirectSat Corporation's first DBS satellite, but in no event later 
             than October 1, 1996. The Buyer shall provide business plan 
             requirements relative  to channelization/switchability within 105 
             days ASOC. EIRP & G/Ts  from antenna optimization shall be 
             finalized at CDR.

 3.  Section 11.0: Launch Vehicle and Site Interfaces (sheet 39)  

     a. Delete 'x-ray special test facilities' from paragraph 3-g (sheet 40).

 4. Section 12.0: Launch Operations and Support Services (sheet 41)

    a. Change the third paragraph, letter j:

       From: provide necessary test equipment, materials, pressurants, etc.,...

       To: provide necessary test equipment. materials, pressurants, 
           propellants, etc.,...

 5. Section 13.0: Transfer Orbit Mission Operation (sheet 41)

    a. Change paragraph 13.1-d:

       From: ... with all deployments completed.

       To: ... with all deployments completed, and equipped with the necessary
           hardware and software to perform paragraph 13.1-f below.

    b. Change paragraph 13.1-f:

       From: ... acquisition by the Contractor's SOC and TT&C site.

       To: ... acquisition by the Contractor's SOC and TT&C site through all
           spacecraft and payload testing.

F.  The following modifications to the Performance Specification shall 
    promptly be incorporated into the  Performance Specification.


                                     1 - 2

<PAGE>

 1. General Changes

    a.  Specific references to spacecraft, orbital slots, facility locations, 
        launch vehicles,  launch site locations, frequency tables, etc., 
        shall be changed to the appropriate  designation.

    b.  References to the Astro Space East Windsor facility/plant shall be 
        changed to Lockheed Martin facility(ies).

 2. Add new section titled: 4.2.1 TWTA Pairing Configuration (sheet 14)

    a.  Section 4.2. 1: TWTA Pairing Configuration

        The TWTA channel pairing configuration for the north and south 
        transponder panels, for operation during power boost mode, shall be as 
        follows:


                         North Channels South Channels  
                                                        
                             1 & 2          3 & 4       

                            S1 & S2        S3 & S4      

                             5 & 6          7 & 8       

                             9 & 10        11 & 12      

                            S5 & S6        S7 & S8      

                            13 & 14        15 & 16      

                            17 & 26        19 & 28      

                            S9 & S10      Sll & S12     

                            21 & 30        23 & 32      

                            25 & 18        27 & 20      

                            29 & 22        31 & 24      

 3. Section 5.1: General (sheet 33)

    a. Change the first paragraph, fourth sentence:

       From: As a minimum 2 K-band beacon transmitters and 2 K-band
             command receivers shall be provided.

       To: As a minimum 2 K-band beacon transmitters and 3 K-band
           command receivers shall be provided.

 4. Section 5.2.2: Command Uplink Frequency (sheet 33)

    a. Delete the following: The command transmission bandwidth shall be no 
       more than  1.5MHz. The command receiver 3dB bandwidth shall be at 
       least 1.5MHz.

 5. Section 5.2.3: Command Antenna (sheet 33)

    a. Change the first sentence:

                                     1 - 3


<PAGE>

      From: The command system shall use 2 antennas to feed its command 
            receivers.

      To: The command system shall use a minimum of 2 antennas to feed its  
          command receivers.

6. Section 8.4. 1: Battery (sheet 45)

   a. Change the first 3 sentences:

      From: The energy storage device for supplying power to the satellite  
         during eclipse shall be Ni-H2 batteries. A minimum of two batteries 
         of approximately equal  capacity is preferred. A single battery 
         maybe used if it can be shown that there are no single  point 
         failures (SPFS) including open circuits.

      To: The energy storage device for supplying power to the satellite 
         during eclipse shall be a  minimum of two (2) Ni-H2 batteries of 
         approximately equal capacity.

7. Section 9.3. Subsystem Design Requirements (sheet 48)

   a. Change paragraph 5, the last sentence:

      From: If optical solar reflector surfaces are used for thermal 
         radiators, the  temperature predictions shall account for an EOL 
         value in solar absorptance (alpha)  equal to or greater than 0.23 at 
         the end of 15 years.

      To: For optical solar reflector surfaces used as thermal radiators, the 
         temperature predictions  shall account for an EOL value in solar 
         absorptance (alpha) equal to or greater than 0.23 at the  end of 15 
         years.


                                      1 - 4


<PAGE>


ARTICLE 2.  EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED AND PRICES
            THEREFORE

A.  Upon the full, satisfactory and timely completion and delivery, as 
    required, of each item of work specified below, and acceptance by Buyer 
    thereof in accordance with the requirements of this Contract, 
    Contractor shall be entitled to payment by Buyer of the applicable 
    fixed price specified below, as such price may be adjusted in 
    accordance with the provisions of the Contract, except that the portion 
    related to the In-Orbit payments, as defined in ARTICLE 4, PAYMENT, 
    paragraph B.2 and C.2, shall be paid as set forth in ARTICLE 4. The 
    prices stated below, which are inclusive of In-Orbit payments provided 
    in ARTICLE 4, PAYMENT, paragraphs B.2 and C.2, include all 
    transportation and related charges for delivery of Spacecraft and 
    associated equipment to destination.  Except as otherwise provided for 
    herein, the prices stated below include all applicable taxes and all 
    copyright and patent rights necessary to effectuate this Contract.
    
<TABLE>

Item  Quantity                  Description                       Total Price
- ----  --------                  -----------                       -----------
<S>   <C>       <C>                                          <C>
 1.   1         Spacecraft Flight #1 as defined              $80,500,000 (i)
                in EXHIBIT B1                               
 2.   1         Option Spacecraft Flight #2 as defined in    $78,000,000 (ii), (iii)
                EXHIBIT B2                                  
 3.   1 Lot     Launch and mission support services for      NSP
                Spacecraft Flight #1                        
 4.   1 Lot     Option Launch and mission support            NSP
                services for Spacecraft Flight #2           
 5.   1 Lot     Optional Extra Set of Transmit and           $1,200,000
                Receive Antennas                            
 6.   1 Lot     Optional Primary Site Satellite Control      $3,615,000
                Facility ("SCF") Equipment, Software,       
                Setup and Training as provided in the       
                proposal enclosed with transmittal letter   
                '96-Echostar-Con-062', dated May 22,        
                1996.                                       
7.   1 Lot      Optional Primary Site Command Ranging        $843,966
                and Telemetry Processing Equipment as
                provided in CR&T Module/Static
                Simulator Basis for Cost Estimate, 'gprd-
                prop-010', dated July 16, 1996.
                                                             --------------
                TOTAL PRICE                                  $164,158,966
                                                             --------------
</TABLE>

    (i)    Total Price for Spacecraft Flight #1, including without limitation 
           the cost of delivery of Spacecraft Flight #1 to Baikonur, 
           Kazakhstan.
           
    (ii)   Total Price for Option Spacecraft Flight #2, including without 
           limitation the cost of delivery of Spacecraft Flight #2 per ARTICLE
           3A.
           
    (iii)  The above price for Option Spacecraft Flight #2 is effective and 
           valid through December 31, 1996.  The firm price for Spacecraft 
           Flight #2 will
           
                                          2-1


<PAGE>


           be the above price plus an increase of four percent (4%) per 
           year adjusted monthly from December 31, 1996 through June 30. 
           1997 if not exercised by December 31, 1996.  Contractor 
           reserves the right to re-quote the price and schedule for 
           Spacecraft Flight #2 if the option has not been exercised and 
           the first construction phase payment is not received by 
           Contractor by June 30, 1997.  The Payment Plan applicable to 
           Spacecraft Flight #2 in ARTICLE 4, PAYMENT will be modified 
           accordingly.

B.  The Spacecraft will include some imported goods.  In the event the 
    Spacecraft and its included imported goods are not exported in a timely 
    manner due to the actions or inactions of Buyer, any duties and 
    penalties arising therefrom will be the responsibility of Buyer.  
    Contractor shall pay such above duties and penalties as may be required 
    by law to be so paid and Buyer agrees to reimburse the Contractor for 
    payments so made.

C.  Prices specified above do not include any costs for security services 
    for Spacecraft located at the designated launch site.  Contractor agrees 
    to use its reasonable efforts to get a written quote from a security 
    services provider, promptly following execution of this Contract and 
    valid through early 1998, for the launch of Spacecraft Flight #1 launch 
    from Baikonur, Kazakhstan, and that the cost to Buyer for those services 
    shall be $375,000, plus actual out of pocket travel and living costs 
    (airfares, etc.), without markup.  The above price assumes an eight week 
    launch campaign.  If the actual campaign is shorter or longer, an 
    appropriate adjustment to price shall apply.  Buyer shall also have the 
    right to source such security services independently until six months 
    prior to the anticipated shipment date for the Spacecraft.
    
D.  Contractor shall be entitled to an early delivery incentive Payment for 
    each day Spacecraft Flight #1 is delivered to the launch site prior to 
    the required delivery schedule, i.e., February 15, 1998, by an amount 
    of $50,000 per day, up to a maximum of $5,000,000.  In the event 
    Contractor is entitled to an early delivery incentive Payment in 
    accordance with this paragraph, the amount of any such incentive shall 
    be added to the In-Orbit payments set forth in ARTICLE 4, PAYMENT, 
    paragraph B.2. Notwithstanding the above, Contractor shall not be 
    entitled to an early delivery incentive Payment in the event Contractor 
    is the cause of a launch delay.

E.  OPTION FOR EXTRA RECEIVE AND TRANSMIT ANTENNAS.

    Buyer shall have the option, exercisable in its discretion by providing 
    written notice to Contractor, at any time until ten months prior to the 
    commencement of Single Line Flow (or later if Buyer agrees to an 
    equitable adjustment, or to the deletion of testing as necessary in 
    order to maintain schedule), to direct Contractor to commence 
    procurement of an extra set of transmit and receive antennas.  If Buyer 
    exercises this option, Contractor shall commence each phase below only 
    following receipt of written notice from Buyer directing Contractor to 
    commence that phase (Buyer recognizes that if it fails to provide 
    written notice prior to the date shown in the schedule for each phase, 
    but subsequently elects to continue the extra
    

                                      2-2



<PAGE>


    antenna procurement effort, Contractor shall be entitled to an equitable 
    adjustment, unless Buyer agrees to the deletion of testing as necessary 
    in order to maintain schedule).  Buyer shall make payment to Contractor 
    as shown in the schedule for each phase. If Buyer does not direct that 
    the procurement effort continue to the next phase, no further payments 
    shall be due. If the procurement results in completed procurement and 
    test of the extra set of antennas, then the total amount paid by Buyer 
    shall total $1.2 million, in which event Buyer may direct that either 
    set of antennas be placed on the Spacecraft.

      MILESTONE                  AMOUNT DUE           CUMULATIVE    MONTHS AFTER
      --------                   ----------           ----------       OPTION
                                                                      EXERCISE
                                                                      --------
Turn on Material                  $440,000              $440,000          0
Procurement
Composite Material                No Additional Charge
Received                          (NAC)
East Mold Complete                NAC
West Mold Complete                $100,000              $540,000          3
East Reflector Complete           $ 60,000              $600,000          4
West Reflector Complete           $100,000              $700,000          5
Ku Spot Assembly                  $100,000              $800,000          6
Complete
Start Antenna I&T                 $100,000              $900,000          7
Final Assembly Complete           $100,000            $1,000,000          8
Complete Environmental            $100,000            $1,100,000          9
& FAT
Deliver to Spacecraft             $100,000            $1,200,000         10

F.  OPTIONAL SATELLITE CONTROL FACILITY OR COMMAND RANGING AND TELEMETRY 
    PROCESSING EQUIPMENT.

1.  Buyer shall have the option. exercisable at its discretion by 
    providing written notice to Contractor, to purchase the SCF and the 
    additional items set forth in the May 22, 1996 letter "96-EchoStar Con 
    062"at the prices and delivery schedules set forth therein.
    
2.  Buyer shall have the option, exercisable at its discretion by 
    providing written notice to Contractor, to purchase the CRT Module and 
    the additional items set forth in the July 16, 1996 letter 
    "gprd-prop-010" at the prices and delivery schedules set forth therein.
    The three day training course will be conducted at the primary 
    ground station site.  Additionally a reasonable amount of primary 
    site and secondary site on-site integration and test support will be 
    provided.  The term "EDC" as discussed in the letter shall mean "months 
    after option exercise".  Thus, the schedule "EDC + 6 months" will equal 
    the date of the option exercise plus six months.

                                      2-3


<PAGE>

ARTICLE 3. DELIVERY SCHEDULE

    A.   Delivery of Spacecraft Flight #1 shall be made at Contractor's expense 
    to Baikonur, Kazakhstan.  Delivery of Spacecraft Flight #2 shall be 
    made at Contractor's expense to any of the following destinations: 
    Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA; Kourou, French Guiana; Xichang, 
    China; or, Baikonur, Kazakhstan.  The term "Destination" as used 
    herein shall refer to the designated launch site set forth herein for 
    the applicable spacecraft.  Buyer shall advise Contractor of the 
    destination of Spacecraft Flight #2 within six (6) months of the first 
    construction phase payment for Spacecraft Flight #2.  In the event 
    that Buyer changes the designated launch site for Spacecraft Flight #1 
    or Spacecraft Flight #2, there shall be an equitable adjustment to 
    both price and schedule for the Spacecraft with respect to which the 
    launch site is changed.

    B.   Delivery shall be as indicated below:

<TABLE>

ITEM  DESCRIPTION                                           DELIVERY DATE
- ----  -----------                                           -------------
<S>   <C>                                                   <C>
 1.   Spacecraft Flight #1. as defined in EXHIBIT B1.       02/15/1998

 2.   Option Spacecraft Flight #2, as defined in EXHIBIT    09/30/1998
      B2 (Assumes the option is exercised between October
      1st and December 31, 1996).

 3.   Launch and Mission Operation Support Services         Commencing on Delivery to
      Spacecraft Flight #1                                  Launch Site and Continuing
                                                            Through On Orbit Check Out.
 4.   Launch and Mission Operation Support Services         Commencing on Delivery to
      Spacecraft Flight #2 (dependent upon                  Launch Site and Continuing
      exercise of Item 2 above).                            Through On Orbit Check Out.
                                                           
 5.   Extra Set of Transmit and Receive Antennas.           As Provided in ARTICLE 2, 
                                                            paragraph E.
 6.   Optional Satellite Control Facility.                  As Provided in ARTICLE 2, 
                                                            paragraph F.
 7.   Optional Command Ranging and Telemetry                As Provided in ARTICLE 2,
      Processing Equipment.                                 paragraph F.
</TABLE>

    C.   OPTION SPACECRAFT FLIGHT #2 EXERCISE AND DELIVERY.

         Buyer shall have the option. exercisable in its discretion by 
         providing written notice to Contractor, to purchase Spacecraft 
         Flight #2.  In the event that the option to purchase Spacecraft 
         Flight #2 is exercised prior to October 1, 1996, Contractor shall 
         be required to deliver the Spacecraft 24 months following the date 
         of the option exercise.  If the option is exercised between October 
         1st and December 31, 1996, Contractor shall be required to 
         deliver the Spacecraft September 30, 1998.  If the option is 
         exercised later than December 31, 1996, the Contractor shall be 
         entitled to a month for month delay in the delivery schedule.

                                      3-1


<PAGE>

ARTICLE 4. PAYMENT

A. I.    The total price stipulated in ARTICLE 2, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES 
         TO BE FURNISHED AND PRICES THEREFOR, shall be paid by Buyer to 
         Contractor in accordance with the payment arrangements specified in 
         the following Payment Plans.  The amounts specified in the Payment 
         Plans shall in each case be paid by Buyer to Contractor on the 
         dates indicated. Contractor shall submit an invoice for each 
         payment approximately thirty (30) days in advance of the payment 
         due date.  Payment to Contractor shall be made by either cable 
         transfer to Citibank N.A. ABA# 021000089, Lockheed Martin, Valley 
         Forge Collection Center A/C #40678043, or by check payable to 
         Lockheed Martin Corporation sent by registered mail to the address 
         and attention of the Lockheed Martin representative designated in 
         ARTICLE 10, PROGRESS MEETING, PRESENTATIONS AND DOCUMENTATION 
         DELIVERABLES, paragraph C. In the event Buyer elects to pay by 
         other than certified check, Buyer's check must be received by 
         Contractor at least seven (7) working days before the required 
         payment date to insure that the funds are available to Contractor 
         on the payment date.



                                       4-1


<PAGE>


B.  SPACECRAFT FLIGHT #1 PAYMENT PLAN

    1.   The construction payments applicable to Spacecraft Flight #1 shall 
         be made as follows:


                         PAYMENT PLAN 
- ------------------------------------------------------------
PAYMENT    DUE DATE              AMOUNT $        CUMULATIVE
 NUMBER                                          AMOUNT $
- ------------------------------------------------------------
   1       July 31, 1996         $   500,000     $   500,000
   2       September 30, 1996    $17,000,000     $17,500,000
   3       October 31, 1996      $ 3,500,000     $21,000,000
   4       November 30, 1996     $ 3,500,000     $24,500,000
   5       December 31, 1996     $ 3,000,000     $27,500,000
   6       January 31, 1997      $ 3,000,000     $30,500,000
   7       February 28, 1997     $ 3,000,000     $33,500,000
   8       March 31, 1997        $ 2,500,000     $36,000,000
   9       April 30, 1997        $ 2,500,000     $38,500,000
   10      May 31, 1997          $ 2,500,000     $41,000,000
   11      June 30, 1997         $ 2,500,000     $43,500,000
   12      July 31, 1997         $ 2,500,000     $46,000,000
   13      August 31, 1997       $ 2,500,000     $48,500,000
   14      September 30, 1997    $ 2,500,000     $51,000,000
   15      October 31, 1997      $ 2,500,000     $53,500,000
   16      November 30, 1997     $ 3,000,000     $56,500,000
   17      December 31, 1997     $ 3,000,000     $59,500,000
   18      January 31, 1998      $ 3,000,000     $62,500,000
   19      February 15, 1998     $ 3,000,000     $65,500,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------

    2.   In addition to the construction payments required above, Buyer 
         shall pay Spacecraft In-Orbit payments in the amount of 
         $15,000,000.  The Spacecraft In-Orbit payments shall be made in 
         accordance with the requirements set forth in paragraph D. of 
         this ARTICLE.
                                                
C.  OPTION SPACECRAFT FLIGHT #2 PAYMENT PLAN

    1.   The construction payments applicable to Spacecraft Flight #2 shall 
         be made at a rate of $2,750,000 per month for twenty-four (24) 
         months to be paid on the last day of the month commencing on 
         exercise of the option and continuing monthly thereafter.  In the 
         event that the option is exercised subsequent to October, 1996, 
         then the payment plan shall be adjusted appropriately to take into 
         account the shortened construction schedule.

                                       4-2



<PAGE>

    2.   In addition to the construction payments required above, Buyer 
         shall pay Spacecraft In-Orbit payments in the amount of 
         $12,000,000. The Spacecraft In-Orbit payments shall be made in 
         accordance with the requirements set forth in paragraph D. of this 
         ARTICLE.

D.       SPACECRAFT IN-ORBIT PAYMENTS

         1.   The Spacecraft In-Orbit payments for Spacecraft Flights #1 and #2
              shall be paid over a period of five (5) years from launch.

         2.   The In-Orbit payments shall be paid on an equal monthly basis 
              (principal and interest) until full payment has been received by 
              Contractor.
         
         3.   For Spacecraft Flights #1 and #2, the interest rate applicable to 
              the monthly In-Orbit payments shall fall between 7.75% and 8.25% 
              per annum and shall be fixed 90 days prior to the scheduled launch
              and shall be calculated using the prime rate published in the WALL
              STREET JOURNAL on such date as follows:

              a.   if the prime rate falls between 7.75% and 8.25%, then the 
                   In-Orbit payments shall accrue interest at the prime rate.

              b.   if the prime rate is greater than 8.25%, then the In-Orbit 
                   payments shall accrue interest at 8.25% per annum.

              C.   if the prime rate is less than 7.75%, then the In-Orbit
                   payments shall accrue interest at 7.75% per annum.

         4.   The In-Orbit payments, including the interest thereon, 
              will be secured by a written corporate guarantee provided 
              by EchoStar Communications Corporation (ECC).  The 
              security will be provided to the Contractor no later than 
              ninety (90) days prior to the scheduled launch date.

         5.   The Parties are willing to enter into good faith negotiations to
              establish an alternative to the schedule set out in D.1. above
              for the Spacecraft In-Orbit payments.

E.       Failure to make any payments required hereunder, shall constitute a 
         default by Buyer subject to the provisions of ARTICLE 17, TERMINATION 
         FOR DEFAULT, paragraph F.

F. 1.    For the Spacecraft delivered by Contractor which, following Launch, 
         does not achieve Successful Injection, as defined in ARTICLE 5, 
         DEFINITIONS, Contractor shall be entitled to receive for:

                                      4-3


<PAGE>


                   Spacecraft Flight #1:         $15,000,000
                   Spacecraft Flight #2:         $12,000,000

    2.   In the event Buyer is obligated to make payment to 
         Contractor in accordance with paragraph G.1 above, 
         payment shall be due within ten (10) days from Buyer's 
         receipt of the insurance proceeds required by ARTICLE 
         34, INSURANCE.

    3.   The above amounts shall be adjusted to reflect any 
         changes in the In-Orbit payment amounts set forth in 
         paragraphs B.2 and C.2 of this ARTICLE.
         
G.       In the event the Spacecraft is not launched within one 
         hundred eighty (180) days after delivery and final 
         acceptance, in accordance with ARTICLE 7, INSPECTION AND 
         FINAL ACCEPTANCE, Buyer shall commence making In-Orbit 
         payments in accordance with the above as though launch of 
         such Spacecraft had occurred.
         
H. 1.    The Payment Plan set forth in paragraphs B. and C. of 
         this ARTICLE are based on Contractor's successful and 
         timely achievement of each milestone set forth below.  In 
         the event that Contractor does not achieve any Milestone 
         on or before the date set forth below, or provide a 
         work-around acceptable to Buyer, Buyer may suspend 
         construction payments until such time as the Milestones 
         are completed.  Within five (5) days following Contractor's 
         completion of any such Milestone, Buyer shall pay 
         Contractor for all payments that were required to have 
         been made but were not as a result of the suspension.



                                       4-4


<PAGE>

                      MILESTONE TABLE FOR SPACECRAFT FLIGHT #1
                      ----------------------------------------
           MILESTONE DESCRIPTION                   DATE      MONTHS AFTER FCP*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   First Construction Payment (FCP)             07/31/96           0
2   Long lead parts/subcontracts ordered**       10/31/96           3
3   Release  reflector surface design            12/31/96           5
4   Delta CDR complete                           12/31/96           5
5   Begin bus/propulsion subsystem               02/01/97           6
6   Begin board/box manufacturing                03/01/97           7
7   Begin antenna testing                        04/01/97           8
8   Begin system module testing                  06/01/97          10
9   Antenna testing complete                     07/31/97          12
10  Board/box manufacturing complete             09/30/97          14
11  System module testing complete               09/30/97          14
12  Bus/propulsion subsystem complete            09/30/97          14
13  TWTA's received in I&T                       09/30/97          14
14  Batteries received in I&T                    09/30/97          14
15  Start single line flow                       10/30/97          15
16  T/V testing complete                         11/30/97          16
17  Vib testing complete                         12/31/97          17
18  Range testing complete                       01/31/98          18
19  Preshipment review complete                  01/31/98          18
20  Deliver Spacecraft Flight #1                 02/15/98        18.5
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                    MILESTONE TABLE FOR SPACECRAFT FLIGHT #2
                    ----------------------------------------
           MILESTONE DESCRIPTION                     MONTHS AFTER FCP*
     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     1    First construction payment (FCP)                   0
     2    Long lead parts/subcontracts ordered**             3
     3    Release reflector surface design                   5
     4    Delta CDR complete                                 5
     5    Begin bus/propulsion subsystem                    10
     6    Begin board/box manufacturing                     11
     7    Begin antenna testing                             12
     8    Begin system module testing                       14
     9    Antenna testing complete                          16
     10   Board/box manufacturing complete                  18
     11   System module testing complete                    18
     12   Bus/propulsion subsystem complete                 18
     13   TWTA's received in I&T                            18
     14   Batteries received in I&T                         18
     15   Start single line flow                            19
     16   T/V testing complete                              20
     17   Vib testing complete                              21
     18   Range testing complete                            22
     19   Preshipment review complete                       22
     20   Deliver Spacecraft Flight #2                      23
     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     
     *Work arounds that do not affect schedule will satisfy the milestone event.

                                       4-5



<PAGE>


** Long Lead Parts List (see below)

                                 Long Lead Parts List
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
                Description              Part #                   Quantity
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         Structure (core & panels)    AOL20053900G1                  1
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         Arcjets/PCU                  20032538P1                     4
                                      20032538P2                     1
                                      20032538P4                     4
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         Tanks                        20037244P3                     2
                                      20053744P106                   1
                                      20053743P69                    2
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         Output Muxes                 20055073P1                     2
                                      20055073P2                     2
                                      20055073P3                    44
                                      20055073P4                     2
                                      20055073P5                     2
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         Input Muxes                  20055070P1                     1
                                      2005507OP2                     1
                                      2005507OP3                     2
                                      2005507OP4                     1
                                      2005507OP5                     1
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         Command Receiver             2005288P1                      2
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         Beacon Transmitter           20036633P2                     1
                                      20036633P3                     1
                                      20036633P6                     1
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         SSPA                         20066163P1                     1
                                      20066163P2                     1
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         OBC                          2003294OP101                   1
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         LAE                          200482202P3                    1
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         REAs                         20032536P1                     6
                                      20032537P1                    12
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         Battery Cells                20032568P99                   98
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         TWTA                         TBD                           44
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         

2.  The above Milestone Tables shall be Buyer's sole measurement of whether
    Contractor is making adequate progress toward completion of the Spacecraft 
    required hereunder.


                                        4-6

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 5. DEFINITIONS

A.      Successful Injection
        Injection of the Spacecraft shall be considered successful if:

    1.   No damage to the Spacecraft occurs which can be shown to have 
         resulted from a launch vehicle malfunction.

    2.   The elements of the transfer orbit established by the launch 
         vehicle and the spin axis orientation at time of separation are 
         within the three sigma limits of the launch vehicle established by 
         the Launch Agency.
     
     3.   The Spacecraft has reached a Satisfactory Orbit and is deployed 
          for satisfactory operation.

B.  SATISFACTORY ORBIT

    The spacecraft is deemed to have achieved a Satisfactory Orbit if 
    the following conditions are satisfied:

    1.   The spacecraft is located in the operational geostationary orbit 
         longitude position designated by Buyer.

    2.   The spacecraft orbit parameters are specified as follows:

         (a)  Inclination tolerance is + or - 0.1 degrees
         (b)  Longitude tolerance is + or - 0.1 degrees

C.  LAUNCH

    For purposes of Spacecraft Flight #1, assuming a Proton launch, the 
    term Launch means the ignition of the first stage motors of the Launch 
    Vehicle that has been integrated with the payload with the intention to 
    complete the launch mission, followed by physical separation from all 
    the ground support equipment.
    
    For purposes of Spacecraft Flight #2, or if Spacecraft Flight #1 is not 
    launched on a Proton launch vehicle, then the definition of Launch 
    shall be negotiated in good faith between Contractor and Buyer at the 
    time of designation of the launch vehicle.

    

                                      5-1




<PAGE>

ARTICLE 6. (RESERVED)









                                      6 - 1


<PAGE>

ARTICLE 7. INSPECTION AND FINAL ACCEPTANCE

A.  INSPECTION

    Buyer, or its designated representative, shall have the right to witness
    and review the results of the final acceptance testing at the system 
    level of the deliverable hardware at the facilities of Contractor.  
    To allow Buyer to most effectively schedule the monitoring stated above,
    Contractor shall give Buyer timely notification of the acceptance 
    testing of the deliverable hardware.

B.  FINAL ACCEPTANCE

    Final acceptance of the items to be delivered hereunder shall be in 
    accordance with the requirements of this Contract, including the 
    EXHIBITS. Delivery and acceptance shall be as provided herein.

1.  Each Spacecraft furnished under this Contract shall be tested by 
    Contractor, and in the case of Spacecraft to be delivered to storage, 
    shall be finally accepted by Buyer upon demonstration at Contractor's
    facility, prior to delivery of Spacecraft to storage, by means of
    test results obtained pursuant to the test requirements set forth in 
    EXHIBIT C, that the Spacecraft meets the performance specifications 
    set forth in EXHIBIT B.

2.  In the case of Spacecraft delivered for launch, upon arrival of 
    Spacecraft at the launch site, as required by EXHIBIT A, Contractor 
    shall promptly conduct an inspection and, if required, test the 
    Spacecraft, in accordance with the requirements of EXHIBIT C, in the 
    presence of Buyer.  Buyer shall either finally accept the Spacecraft
    in writing or notify Contractor in writing of those particulars in 
    which the Spacecraft to be delivered does not meet the requirements of 
    this Contract.  Upon remedy of such particulars to meet the requirements
    of this Contract, the Spacecraft shall be deemed to have been 
    delivered and finally accepted.

3.  Final acceptance of non-Spacecraft items shall take place after delivery 
    by Contractor to the destination and, if required, completion of 
    installation and inspection.  Buyer shall either finally accept the 
    item(s) in writing or notify Contractor in writing of those particulars 
    in which the items to be delivered do not meet the requirements of this 
    Contract.  Upon remedy of such particulars to meet the requirements of 
    this Contract, the item involved shall be deemed to have been delivered 
    and finally accepted.
    
                                  7 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 8. TITLE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK

A.  Unless otherwise stated herein, the following shall apply:

1.  Title and risk of loss or damage to a Spacecraft shall pass to Buyer at 
    Launch, except that title and risk of loss or damage to a Spacecraft 
    delivered to storage shall pass as set forth in ARTICLE 31, SPACECRAFT 
    STORAGE.
    
2.  Title and risk of loss or damage to non-Spacecraft items shall pass to 
    Buyer upon final acceptance.

B.  Buyer agrees to cause its insurer(s) to waive all rights of subrogation 
    against Contractor and its officers, agents, servants, subsidiaries and
    employees.

                                       8 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 9. ACCESS TO WORK

A.  For the purpose of observing the quality of Contractor's performance of 
    work, Contractor shall afford a limited number of Buyer's personnel 
    access to all work in process at Contractor's facility.  Contractor will 
    request and attempt to obtain similar access to work related to Buyer's 
    Spacecraft that is being performed at Contractor's major subcontractors.

B.  Information disclosed to Buyer pursuant to this ARTICLE shall be subject
    to the limitations set forth in ARTICLE 25, DISCLOSURE AND USE OF 
    INFORMATION BY THE PARTIES.
    
    
                                      9 - 1

<PAGE>



ARTICLE 10.   PROGRESS MEETINGS, PRESENTATIONS AND
              DOCUMENTATION DELIVERABLES

A.  MEETINGS AND PRESENTATIONS

    In addition to any other meetings called for under the provisions of this 
    Contract and without limitation thereto, Contractor shall provide the 
    manpower, facilities, materials and support required to conduct the 
    following periodic meetings and presentations:

1.  Informal Project Manager meetings.

2.  Technical Review meetings as determined by Contractor's Project Manager.

3.  Quarterly Summary Executive Reviews.

    Copies of view graphs or other documents utilized during these meetings 
    shall be furnished or be made available to Buyer.  Buyer's management 
    personnel, as may be deemed appropriate by Buyer, shall be invited to the 
    Quarterly Summary Executive Reviews.  Contractor shall be represented by 
    its Project Manager and such other personnel as are specifically required 
    to support the particular presentation.  All periodic meetings shall be 
    held at Contractor's facility.
    
B.  DISTRIBUTION OF REPORTS

    All materials, reports and documentation furnished pursuant to this 
    ARTICLE shall be the property of Buyer subject to the limitations set 
    forth in ARTICLE 25, DISCLOSURE AND USE OF INFORMATION BY THE PARTIES, 
    except that, Contractor or its subcontractors may retain copies for their 
    own purposes, including the using of such materials and reports in the 
    performance of other contracts.
    
                                        10-1



<PAGE>

C.  CORRESPONDENCE

    All correspondence, including notices, reports and documentation 
    deliverables, to be provided to Buyer or Contractor under this Contract 
    shall be sent to Buyer or Contractor as follows:

    E-DBS                            Lockheed Martin Corporation 
    90 Inverness Circle East         P.O. Box 800                
    Englewood, Colorado 80112        Princeton, NJ 08543-0800    


    Attention: Mr. C. Ergen          Attention: Mr. L.J. Kiefer

    Phone: 303-799-8222 Ex 4701      Phone: 609-490-6228    
    Telecopy: 303-799-0354           Telecopy: 609-490-3395 



D.  The only representatives of Buyer and Contractor authorized to sign 
    contractual documents are:

    BUYER                                CONTRACTOR       
    Mr. C. Ergen                         Mr. R.T. McFall  
    Mr. D. Moskowitz                     Mr. T.D. Sisley  
                                         Mr. L.J. Kiefer  
                                         Mr. P.H. Wiggett 

    Or others authorized by written      Or others authorized by written
    delegation of the E-DBS Board of     delegation of Mr. R.T. McFall
    Directors                                





                                     10-2

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 11.   RIGHTS IN DATA

A.  Except as provided in paragraph B. below, Buyer shall have an unlimited
    right to use, duplicate, and disclose the information contained in the 
    Programming and Control Handbook furnished pursuant to EXHIBIT A; 
    however, if any written material furnished as part of said document is 
    copyrighted, Buyer shall have an unaudited right to make copies of such 
    copyrighted material and to use such copies for any Buyer purpose without 
    payment of additional compensation to Contractor to the extent that 
    Contractor has the authority to grant such right.  In the event 
    Contractor does not have such right, Contractor will exert its best 
    efforts to obtain such rights for Buyer.
    
B.  All data that are or may be delivered or disclosed by either party to the 
    other shall be subject to ARTICLE 25, DISCLOSURE AND USE OF INFORMATION 
    BY THE PARTIES.

C.  Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the ownership and title to 
    copyrights and in computer programs and its related documentation 
    delivered to Buyer by Contractor in accordance with this Contract shall 
    remain in Contractor or its licensor.  Contractor shall grant to Buyer a 
    paid up non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use (including "to 
    duplicate" and "to adapt") solely for the Buyer Program, the copies of 
    computer programs and its related documentation specified in the Contract 
    required for the operation of articles deliverable under this Contract.


                                    11-1


<PAGE>


ARTICLE 12.   PUBLIC RELEASE OF INFORMATION

During the term of this Contract, neither party, its affiliates, 
subcontractors, employees, agents and consultants shall release items of 
publicity of any kind, including, without limitation, news releases, articles, 
brochures, advertisements, prepared speeches, company reports or other 
information releases, related to the work performed hereunder, including the 
denial or confirmation thereof, without the other party's prior written 
consent which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.



 
                                       12-1


<PAGE>

ARTICLE 13.   INDEMNIFICATION

A.  Each party shall indemnify and hold the other party and its officers, 
    agents, servants, subsidiaries and employees, or any of them harmless 
    from any loss, damage, liability or expense, resulting from damage to 
    all property, private or public, and injuries, including death, to 
    persons caused by any act or omission of the indemnifying Party 
    and/or the indemnifying Party's agents or representatives at any tier 
    or any of them, and at its expense shall defend any suits or other 
    proceedings brought against the indemnified Party and/or its 
    officers, agents, servants, subsidiaries and employees, or any of 
    them, on account thereof, and shall pay all expenses and satisfy all 
    judgments which may be incurred by or rendered against them, in 
    connection therewith.  Either Party shall have the right to settle 
    any claim or litigation against which it indemnities hereunder.  This 
    ARTICLE is subject to ARTICLE 8, TITLE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK.

B.  Further and notwithstanding any other provision hereof, Buyer shall 
    indemnify and hold harmless Contractor, its officers, agents, 
    subsidiaries, and employees from any liabilities, losses and damages 
    including costs, expenses and damages incurred by Contractor in 
    connection with any and all claims after passage of title thereto to 
    Buyer which shall occur in accordance with ARTICLE 8, TITLE AND 
    ASSUMPTION OF RISK, except any such liabilities, losses and damages 
    that are caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of 
    Contractor.  Buyer shall procure and maintain comprehensive general 
    liability insurance in an amount with insurers acceptable to 
    contractor, which insurance shall name Contractor and the other 
    indemnities hereunder as insured.  Buyer shall furnish Contractor 
    with a waiver of its insurance carriers' rights of subrogation and 
    with insurance obligations under this ARTICLE.  Such insurance shall 
    also provide that the insurers shall give thirty (30) days prior 
    notice to Contractor prior to the effective date of cancellation or 
    termination of such insurance.
    
C.  Contractor shall not be liable to Buyer, customers of Buyer or their 
    customers for any damages resulting: (i) any loss or destruction of 
    the Spacecraft or (ii) failure of the Spacecraft or its subsystems to 
    operate satisfactorily.  Buyer agrees to enter into suitable 
    agreements with its customers to effect the foregoing limitation of 
    Contractor's liability.  Buyer also agrees to cause insurers to waive 
    all right of subrogation against Contractor and its employees.  The 
    foregoing shall not relieve Contractor of its obligations under 
    ARTICLE 21, WARRANTY, of correction or replacement during the 
    warranty period set forth in such ARTICLE.

                                        13-1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 14.   PATENT INDEMNIFY

A.  Contractor shall defend Buyer from and against all claims, actions, 
    suits and proceedings alleging that the manufacture of any 
    Spacecraft, delivered under this Contract or the use, lease, sale or 
    other disposition of any such Spacecraft infringes any U.S. patent, 
    and shall pay any final judgment or settlement, provided Contractor 
    is given prompt written notice of any such claim, action, suit or 
    proceeding and full authority to resist, defend and settle such claim. 
    Buyer shall provide at Contractor's request such assistance and 
    information as may be required by Contractor.

B.  If an injunction or other order is obtained against the manufacture, 
    use, lease, sale or other disposition of any Spacecraft hereunder, 
    Contractor agrees to use its best efforts either to procure rights so 
    that such Spacecraft and the manufacture, use, lease, sale or other 
    disposition thereof is no longer infringing or to modify or replace 
    such Spacecraft so that it is no longer subject to such order.  In 
    the event that such injunction or order becomes permanent and that 
    neither of the foregoing alternatives is suitably accomplished and 
    Contractor is unable to reasonably perform its obligations hereunder, 
    Buyer may proceed under ARTICLE 17, TERMINATION FOR DEFAULT.

C.  While neither Party presently contemplates Buyer's providing 
    Contractor with any designs, specifications or instructions, in the 
    event Buyer does provide any designs, specifications or instructions, 
    Buyer shall indemnify and hold Contractor harmless against any 
    expense, judgment or loss for infringement of any U.S. patents or 
    trademarks which result from Contractor's compliance with such 
    designs, specifications or instructions.

D.  No sales or lease hereunder shall convey any license by implication, 
    estoppel or otherwise, under any proprietary or patent rights of 
    Buyer, to practice any process with such product or part, or for the 
    combination of such product or part with any other product or part.
    
E.  Contractor shall not be liable for any costs or expenses incurred 
    without Contractor's written authorization and in no event shall 
    Contractor's total liability to Buyer under, or as a result of 
    compliance with, the provisions of this ARTICLE exceed the aggregate 
    Spacecraft price for all Spacecraft under construction or delivered.  
    Contractor shall in no event be liable for loss of use or for 
    incidental, indirect, or consequential damages, whether in contract 
    or in tort.  The foregoing states the entire Warranty by Contractor 
    and the exclusive remedy of Buyer, with respect to any alleged patent 
    infringement by such product or part.

                                  14-1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 15.   INDEMNIFICATION FOR TAXES

Contractor shall assume responsibility, and shall save Buyer, its officers, 
agents, employees, servants, subsidiaries and assignees, or any of them, 
harmless from taxes (exclusive of sales, use, income and personal property 
taxes), which may be required under present federal, state, or local laws and 
which become due by reason of the performance of work under this Contract, 
and shall execute and deliver such other and further documents, and comply 
with such requirements of said laws, as may be necessary thereunder to 
confirm and effectuate this Contract, including making of payment of any 
interest or penalties related to or arising from such taxes.



                                   15-1



<PAGE>

ARTICLE 16.   EXCUSABLE DELAYS

Without limiting any other provision specifying what constitutes an excusable 
delay under this Contract, acts of God or of the public enemy; acts of the 
Government in its sovereign or contractual capacity, including Government 
priorities, allocations, regulations or orders affecting materials, 
facilities, or completed Spacecraft (including changes in the launch 
specifications in effect on the Date of this Amendment); fires; floods; 
snow storms; earthquakes; epidemics; quarantine restrictions; strikes; wars; 
freight embargoes; or any other events which cause failure or delay to 
perform hereunder, and in every case are beyond the reasonable control and 
without fault or negligence of Contractor hereunder shall constitute an 
excusable delay, if notice thereof is given to Buyer as soon as possible but 
in no event later than within thirty (30) days after such event shall have 
occurred.  In the event of a delay resulting from any of the above causes, 
the delivery requirements shall be extended for the period of the excusable 
delay.

                                   16-1


<PAGE>

ARTICLE 17.  TERMINATION FOR DEFAULT

DELETE the text of the ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

A.  Buyer may, by written Notice of Default sent by registered letter to 
    Contractor, terminate the whole or any part of this Contract in any one 
    of the following circumstances:

    1.   If Contractor fails to make delivery of the supplies or to perform 
         the services within the time specified herein.

    2.   If Contractor fails to perform any of the other provisions of this 
         Contract or so fails to make progress as to endanger performance of 
         this Contract in accordance with its terms, and in either of these two 
         circumstances does not act to correct such failure within a period of 
         thirty (30) days (or such longer period as Buyer may authorize in 
         writing) after receipt of notice from Buyer specifying such failure.

B.  To the extent the Contract is terminated under this ARTICLE, Buyer shall 
    use all reasonable efforts to utilize all work in process hereunder in 
    order to mitigate any costs sustained by Buyer as a result of 
    Contractor's default.  Contractor will pay to Buyer all costs reasonably 
    incurred by Buyer in obtaining all of the work described in ARTICLE 2, 
    EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED AND PRICES THEREFORE, paragraph 
    A., according to the schedule set forth in ARTICLE 3, DELIVERY SCHEDULE, 
    paragraph B., provided that Buyer enters into a Contract for such work 
    within twelve (12) months of Contractor's default.

C.  If this Contract is terminated as provided in this ARTICLE, Contractor 
    shall:

    1.   be paid the Contract price for items delivered.

    2.   be paid the cost plus reasonable profit for work in process,         
         materials in stock and services for which Buyer takes delivery.

    3.   protect and preserve property in the possession of Contractor in 
         which Buyer has an interest.

D.  The remedies set forth in this ARTICLE shall be the sole recourse to 
    which Buyer is entitled in the event of Contractor's default, and 
    Contractor shall have no liability for special, indirect, incidental or 
    consequential damages for lost profits or lost revenues.

E.  Subsequent to final acceptance of each of the Spacecraft pursuant to 
    paragraph B. of ARTICLE 7, INSPECTION AND FINAL ACCEPTANCE, the 
    provisions of this ARTICLE shall not affect payment of In-Orbit payments 
    under the terms of ARTICLE 4, PAYMENT, paragraphs B.2 and C.2 and ARTICLE 
    2, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED AND PRICES THEREFORE.

                             17 - 1

<PAGE>


    EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED AND PRICES THEREFORE.


F.  In the event Buyer fails to perform any obligation which it is 
    required to perform pursuant to this Contract, Contractor may, if 
    such failure is not corrected within thirty (30) days after written 
    notice of such failure is given by Contractor, stop work on this 
    Contract and consider this entire Contract to be terminated due to the 
    default of Buyer.  Contractor shall be entitled to compensation as set 
    forth in ARTICLE 18, TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE.  Further, Contractor 
    shall also be entitled to all of the Security set forth in ARTICLE 4, 
    PAYMENT, paragraph F.1.

G.  If, after notice of termination of the Contractor's right to proceed 
    under the provisions of this ARTICLE, it is determined for any reason 
    that the Contractor was not in default under the provisions of this 
    ARTICLE, or that the delay was excusable under the provisions of 
    ARTICLE 16, EXCUSABLE DELAYS, the rights and obligations of the 
    Parties shall be the same as if notice of termination had been issued 
    pursuant to ARTICLE 18, TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE.
    
                                        17-2
<PAGE>

ARTICLE 18.   TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE

A.  Buyer, by written notice to Contractor, may terminate this 
    Contract in whole, or in part, for any reason or for Buyer's 
    Convenience at any time prior to final acceptance of all the work. In 
    the event of termination by the Buyer of any spacecraft subsequent to 
    the start of such Spacecraft's construction, it is agreed that the 
    termination charges shall be negotiated but shall not exceed the total 
    of the Total Price for the Spacecraft so terminated as set forth in 
    ARTICLE 2, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED AND PRICES 
    THEREFORE, hereof. The termination charges shall include the total 
    costs, both direct and indirect, reasonably incurred by Contractor 
    with respect to termination and settlement with all vendors and 
    subcontractors, plus a profit of fifteen (15) percent. Buyer shall 
    maintain the required Security set forth in ARTICLE 4, PAYMENT, 
    paragraph F., until all claims are satisfied.

B.  Direct and indirect costs shall be determined in accordance with 
    Contractor's standard accounting practice and shall be verified, at 
    Buyer's expense, by an independent Certified Public Accounting firm to 
    be mutually agreed upon by the buyer and Contractor.
    
C.  Buyer shall pay Contractor the aforesaid termination charges 
    within thirty (30) days following the submission of an invoice. Upon 
    payment of Contractor's invoice, Contractor shall deliver to Buyer all 
    termination inventory which has not been credited by Contractor 
    against the termination charges set forth in paragraph D.2 below. In 
    the event Contractor's invoice is not paid within thirty (30) days 
    following submission, Buyer shall be in default pursuant to ARTICLE 
    17, TERMINATION FOR DEFAULT, paragraph F.
    
D.  Final payment shall be in the amount of the total termination 
    charges, less the following:

1.  Amounts previously paid by Buyer to Contractor with respect to the 
    terminated work pursuant to ARTICLE 4, PAYMENT, hereof; and

2.  Amounts representing the total of Contractor's costs with respect 
    to the terminated work of segregable items of inventory not desired by 
    Buyer and which Contractor elects to retain for its use.

    In the event the amount set forth in this paragraph D. above 
    exceeds the termination charges defined in paragraph A. of this 
    ARTICLE, Contractor shall promptly refund such excess to Buyer.

E.  In no event shall the total amount paid to Contractor pursuant to 
    this Agreement, including termination charges paid pursuant to this 
    ARTICLE, exceed the total price stated in ARTICLE 2, EQUIPMENT AND 
    SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED AND PRICES THEREFORE, hereof.
    

                                      18-1




<PAGE>

F.  Subject to the limitations in paragraph E above, the provisions of this 
    ARTICLE shall not affect the payment of In-Orbit payments under the terms 
    of ARTICLE 4, PAYMENT, paragraphs B.2 and C.2, with respect to any 
    spacecraft.

G.  Notwithstanding anything herein, Buyer's termination of any spacecraft, 
    pursuant to this ARTICLE, shall constitute a termination of all 
    subsequent spacecraft.

H.  Contractor agrees to use all reasonable efforts to assist Buyer in 
    disposing/selling of the work in process upon termination pursuant to this 
    ARTICLE.

                                      18-2

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 19.  CHANGES

DELETE the text of the ARTICLE in its entirety and replace it with:

Buyer may, from time to time between the effective date and completion of 
this Contract, by written change order issued by Buyer, make changes within 
the general scope of this Contract in drawings, designs, specifications, 
method of shipment or packing, quantities of items to be furnished, place of 
delivery, postpone delivery, require additional work, or direct the omission 
of work.  If any such change causes an increase or decrease in costs of, or 
the time required for, the performance of this Contract, an equitable 
adjustment shall be made in the price, or delivery schedule, or both, and any 
other affected provision, and this Contract shall be modified in writing 
accordingly.  Any claim by Contractor for adjustment under this paragraph 
shall be deemed waived unless asserted in writing within thirty (30) days 
from the date of receipt by Contractor of the change order.  The amount of 
the claim shall be stated when it is submitted, or at a later date, not to 
exceed sixty (60) days from the date for assertion of the claim, which later 
date shall be requested at the time of such submission. All changes and 
equitable adjustments pursuant to this ARTICLE shall be subject to negotiation 
between and approval by both Parties prior to the implementation of any such 
change.  Except for Excusable Delays pursuant to ARTICLE 16, EXCUSABLE 
DELAYS, none of the Contract dates will change unless authorized by C. Ergen 
or D. Moskowitz.







                             19 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 20.  ASSIGNMENT

A.  Neither party ,shall assign or delegate this Contract or any of its rights,
    duties, or obligations thereunder to any other person without the prior
    express written approval of the other party, such approval shall
    not be unreasonably denied.  Nothing contained in this ARTTCLE shall
    restrict Contractor from subcontracting work or procuring parts/materials
    or services in the ordinary course of performance of this Contract.

B.  Buyer may assign this Contract, provided Buyer can reasonably demonstrate
    that any such proposed assignee is in at least as good financial condition
    as the Buyer at the effective date of this Contract.

C.  In the event that Buyer reasonably determines that it is prudent to transfer
    construction of any Spacecraft hereunder to any other affiliate in order to
    more appropriately fulfill its Federal Communications Commission ("FCC")
    "due diligence" requirements at the 175 degree west, the 121 degree west or
    other orbital location, and provided the affiliate assumes all rights and
    obligations of Buyer with respect to that Spacecraft, then Buyer and
    Contractor agree to divide this Contract into two separate contracts, and
    that the 175 degree west (or the 121 degree west or other orbital location)
    Spacecraft shall be purchased (completed) under a substantially identical
    contract with that affiliate.





                             20 - 1

<PAGE>


ARTICLE 21.     WARRANTY

A.  Contractor warrants that the goods or services furnished hereunder shall 
    be free from any defects in material or workmanship.

B.  Buyer shall have the right at any time during the period of this 
    warranty and irrespective of prior inspections or acceptance to reject 
    any goods or services not conforming to the above warranty and require 
    that Contractor at its expense, correct or replace as promptly as is 
    reasonably possible, at Contractor's option, such goods or services with 
    conforming goods or services.

C.  For the Spacecraft, this warranty shall run for a period of one (1) year
    from the date of final acceptance by Buyer or until Intentional Ignition,
    whichever is sooner.

D.  Except for the Spacecraft, this warranty shall run for a period of 
    one (1) year from the date of final acceptance by Buyer.

E.  Contractor shall pass on or assign to Buyer all warranties on goods or 
    services given by suppliers or manufacturers other than Contractor to 
    the extent to which Contractor is permitted by the terms of its purchase 
    contracts with such suppliers or manufacturers.

F.  THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER STATUTORY, 
    EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF 
    MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CONTRACTOR SHALL 
    HAVE NO OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT 
    LIABILITY OR OTHER LEGAL OR EQUITABLE THEORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING, 
    WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY LIABILITY FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, OR 
    CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR FOR BUYER'S COST OF EFFECTING COVER, OR FOR 
    FAILURE OR NONPERFORMANCE OF PROPERTY OR FOR LOST PROFIT OR REVENUES.
    
                                     21 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 22.      ARBITRATION

A.  Any dispute or disagreement arising between the Parties in connection 
    with any interpretation of any provision of this Contract, or the 
    compliance or noncompliance therewith, or the validity or enforceability 
    thereof. or any other dispute under any ARTICLE hereof which is not 
    settled to the mutual satisfaction of the Parties within thirty (30) 
    days (or such longer period as may be mutually agreed upon) from the 
    date that either party informs the other, in writing, that such dispute 
    or disagreement exists, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance 
    with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration 
    Association, in effect on the date that such notice is given.

B.  Either party which demands arbitration of the controversy shall, in 
    writing, specify the matter to be submitted to arbitration and, at the 
    same time, choose and nominate a competent person to act as an 
    arbitrator, thereupon, within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such 
    written notice. the other party to this agreement shall, in writing, 
    choose and nominate a competent arbitrator. The two arbitrators so 
    chosen shall meet and endeavor to resolve the question in dispute, and, 
    if they agree upon such determination, the determination so made shall 
    be in writing and signed by both arbitrators.  If such two arbitrators 
    fail to agree, they shall forthwith select a third arbitrator, giving 
    written notice to both Parties of the choice so made and fixing a time 
    and place at which both Parties may appear and be heard with respect to 
    such controversy. In case the two arbitrators shall fail to agree upon a 
    third arbitrator within a period of seven (7) days, or if for any other 
    reason there shall be a lapse in the naming of an arbitrator or 
    arbitrators, or in the filling of a vacancy, or in the event of failure or
    refusal of any arbitrator or arbitrators to attend or fulfill his or their 
    duties, then upon application by either Party to the controversy, an 
    arbitrator or arbitrators shall be named by the American Arbitration 
    Association.

C.  The arbitration award made shall be final and binding upon the Parties 
    and judgment may be entered thereon, upon the application of either 
    Party by any court having jurisdiction.  The relief that may be awarded 
    by the arbitrators under any arbitration arising from this Contract may 
    not exceed actual compensatory damages.  In no event may the arbitrators 
    award punitive damages.

D.  Each party shall bear the cost of preparing and presenting its case, and 
    the cost of arbitration, including the fees and expenses of the 
    arbitrator or arbitrators, will be shared equally by the Parties unless 
    the award otherwise provides.

                                  22 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 23.     APPLICABLE LAW

A.  This Contract shall be interpreted and enforced in accordance with the
    laws of the State of New York.

B.  This Contract is subject to all applicable laws and regulations and 
    each Party agrees to comply with all such applicable laws and 
    regulations.









                                  23 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 24.       ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Contract constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and 
supersedes all prior understandings, commitments, and representations 
with respect to the subject matter.  It may not be amended, modified, or 
terminated (other than as specifically provided in the ARTICLES hereof), 
and none of its provisions may be waived, except by a writing signed by 
an authorized representative of the Party against which the amendment, 
modification, termination or waiver is sought to be enforced. The 
paragraph headings herein shall not be considered in interpreting the 
text of this Contract.

                                  24 - 1
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 25.  DISCLOSURE AND USE OF INFORMATION BY THE PARTIES

A.  If documents supplied by one party to the other are marked with a
    proprietary legend, the receiving party shall take all necessary steps
    to ensure that the documents and contents of such documents are
    not disclosed to any person other than a person employed or engaged by the
    receiving party, whether under subcontract or otherwise, for the performance
    of this Contract. Any such document supplied hereunder shall be returned to
    the disclosing party together with any copies thereof promptly upon
    written request of the disclosing party, except for one copy to be 
    retained for legal purposes.  Whenever the receiving party makes copies of
    such proprietary documents for performance of work covered by this Contract,
    the receiving party shall mark each such copy as proprietary to the
    disclosing party.

B.  Any disclosure to any person permitted under paragraph A. of this ARTICLE
    shall be made under the same conditions that apply to the initial disclosure
    and shall extend only so far as may be necessary for the purposes of this
    Contract.  Any such disclosure to a person other than an employee of the
    receiving party shall be made pursuant to a written confidential disclosure
    agreement or with prior written approval of the disclosing party.

C.  Except with the written consent of the disclosing party, the receiving party
    shall not make use of any document mentioned in paragraph A. of this ARTICLE
    other than for the purposes of this Contract.

D.  The obligations and restrictions imposed by this ARTICLE shall not apply to
    the following:

    1.   Information that is or becomes available to the public from a source
         other than the receiving party, before or after the effective date of
         this Contract.

    2.   Information that is authorized for release in writing by the disclosing
         party.

    3.   Information that is lawfully obtained by the receiving party from a
         third party.

    4.   Information that is known by the receiving party prior to such
         disclosure.

    5.   Information that is, at any time, developed by the receiving party
         completely independently of any disclosure or disclosures from the
         disclosing party.

    6.   Information that is reasonably necessary to support a patent
         application, the subject matter of which belongs to the receiving party
         and which the receiving party discloses to an appropriate Patent Agent
         or Patent Office and/or Court of any country in pursuance thereof.

E.  Neither party shall be liable for inadvertent or accidental disclosure of
    such information marked as proprietary if such disclosure occurs despite
    both Parties exercising reasonable efforts to preserve and safeguard such
    information.


                             25 - 1
<PAGE>

F.  Neither party shall be liable for the disclosure of any technical
    information of the other party pursuant to any legally enforceable
    requirement of the U.S. Government, or any agency or department
    thereof.

G.  No license, under any patents, is granted or implied by merely conveying
    data or information under this Contract.

H.  Any proprietary disclosure to either party, if made orally, or visually,
    shall be identified at the time of disclosure and shall be promptly
    confirmed in writing by the disclosing party and identified as
    proprietary information, if the disclosing party wishes to keep such
    information proprietary under this Contract.

I.  The obligations of this ARTICLE shall be effective for a period of three (3)
    years from the date of termination or expiration of this Contract.








                             25 - 2
<PAGE>

ARTICLE 26.  PERMITS AND LICENSES

DELETE this ARTICLE 26 in its entirety and replace it with a new ARTICLE 26 
as follows:

ARTICLE 26.  EFFECTIVE DATE

The term Effective Date of the Contract (EDC), as used in this 
Contract, shall mean the 18th day of July 1996.









                             26 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 27.      PERMITS AND LICENSES

A.  This Contract is subject to all applicable U.S. laws and regulations 
    relating to the export of Spacecraft, technical data and other equipment 
    and services being furnished pursuant to, or to be utilized in connection 
    with, this Contract (hereinafter in this ARTICLE referred to as 
    "Licensed Items") and to all applicable laws and regulations of the 
    country or countries to which Spacecraft, technical data, and other 
    equipment and services are exported or are sought to be exported.

B.  Contractor shall use its best efforts to obtain such U.S. Government 
    approvals and licenses for export of the "Licensed Items." Buyer shall 
    not be liable for any additional cost associated with Contractor 
    processing any export license application for delivery of any Spacecraft.

C.  If, within a reasonable time, the U.S. Government fails to grant a 
    required approval or license to Contractor to export the "Licensed 
    Items" or revokes or suspends such an approval or license subsequent to 
    its grant, or grants such a license or approval subject to conditions, 
    this Contract shall, nevertheless, remain in full force and effect.  In 
    the event of such U.S. Government action or inaction, deliveries and 
    acceptance of all items to be furnished by Contractor shall be made at 
    locations within the continental U.S. as agreed upon between the 
    Parties.  Such U.S. Government action or inaction shall not otherwise 
    modify in any way the rights and obligations of the Parties under this 
    Contract except to relieve Contractor of any obligations which cannot be 
    performed without such an approval or license and to make the price and 
    delivery schedule subject to equitable adjustment in accordance with 
    ARTICLE 19, CHANGES, to reflect the obligations of which Contractor is 
    relieved.
    
D.  If, within a reasonable time, any foreign country or countries to which 
    such "Licensed Items" are sought to be exported fails to grant a 
    required approval or license or suspends or revokes a required approval 
    or license subsequent to its grant, or grants a license subject to 
    conditions, or if any foreign country or countries to which such 
    "Licensed Items" are exported fails to grant an approval or licenses to 
    utilize the "Licensed Items" for the purpose for which exported, this 
    Contract shall, nevertheless, remain in full force and effect.  In the 
    event of such foreign country or countries action or inaction. 
    deliveries and acceptance of all items to be furnished by Contractor 
    shall be made at locations within the continental U.S. as agreed upon 
    between the Parties.  Such foreign government action or inaction shall 
    not otherwise modify in any way the rights and obligations of the 
    Parties under this Contract except to relieve Contractor of any 
    obligations which cannot be performed without such an approval or 
    license and to make the price and delivery schedule subject to equitable 
    adjustment in accordance with ARTICLE 19, CHANGES, to reflect the 
    obligations of which Contractor is relieved.
    
                                 27 - 1
<PAGE>

ARTICLE 28.     LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

    In no event shall Contractor be liable, whether in contract, tort or 
    otherwise, for special, incidental, indirect or consequential damages, 
    including, without limitation, failure or non-performance of property or
    for lost profit or revenues.

                                 28 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 29.      SPACECRAFT TEST AND HANDLING EQUIPMENT

Contractor shall provide Spacecraft unique test and handling equipment 
at the Launch Site, during the period between delivery of the Spacecraft 
to the Launch Site, and final acceptance for use in connection with the 
inspection and final acceptance of the Spacecraft pursuant to ARTICLE 7, 
INSPECTION AND FINAL ACCEPTANCE.  Title to such equipment shall remain 
with Contractor.

                             29 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 30.  LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

A.  Contractor acknowledges that its failure to deliver Spacecraft Flight #1 or
    Spacecraft Flight #2 to the launch site on or before the delivery dates set
    forth in ARTICLE 3, DELIVERY SCHEDULE, may cause serious damage to Buyer,
    the amount of which may be difficult or impossible to prove.

    1.  The amount of Liquidated Damages applicable to Spacecraft Flight #1
        shall be $50,000 per day and shall not exceed a total of $5,000,000.

    2.  The amount of Liquidated Damages applicable to Spacecraft Flight #2
        shall be $33,333 per day and shall not exceed a total of $5,000,000.

B.  Contractor and Buyer agree that such liquidated damages, without 
    further proof of same, shall be deemed to represent the damages 
    actually sustained by reason of such delay.

C.  The liquidated damages are intended to be compensatory and do not 
    constitute a penalty.

D.  These amounts are firm, fixed and not subject to adjustment due to changes 
    in economic conditions. The Contractor's total liability for late 
    delivery of Spacecraft Flight #1 and Spacecraft Flight #2 shall not 
    exceed the specified liquidated damages.

E.  Any interval of excusable delays as defined in ARTICLE 16, EXCUSABLE 
    DELAYS, shall be excluded from the period for which liquidated damages 
    accrue.  However, such time period shall continue at the conclusion of 
    the excluded interval as if no such interruption had occurred.

F.  In the event Contractor is required to pay Buyer Liquidated Damages as 
    provided in this ARTICLE, the amount of any such payment shall be applied 
    against (reduce) the In-Orbit payments associated with the applicable 
    Spacecraft as set forth in ARTICLE 4, PAYMENT, paragraphs B.2 and C.2.


                             30 - 1


<PAGE>

ARTICLE 31.  LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

DELETE this ARTICLE in is entirety and replace it with a new ARTICLE 31 as 
follows:

ARTICLE 31.  SPACECRAFT STORAGE

A.  If as a result of a delay or failure to launch, through no fault of 
    Contractor, Buyer requests Contractor to store the Spacecraft within 
    sixty (60) days of completion of in-plant acceptance testing, the 
    Contractor shall store, at a site designated by Buyer and such site 
    shall be subject to the approval of Contractor, or if no site is 
    designated by Buyer, at a site designated by Contractor, one or more of 
    the Spacecraft delivered under this Contract.  Title and risk of loss to 
    the Spacecraft to be stored shall pass to Buyer after the first six (6) 
    months of storage and storage shall commence on that date on a 
    month-to-month basis.  The cost for the first six (6) months of storage 
    shall be the responsibility of Contractor. Should the Spacecraft remain 
    in storage beyond the six (6) month period, the provisions of ARTICLE 8 
    "TITLE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK" shall apply, and the Buyer shall be 
    responsible for all storage costs (in excess of six (6) months).  Buyer 
    shall be responsible, except in the event of negligence or willful 
    misconduct by the Contractor, for all transportation cost and insurance 
    to cover the risk and expense of loss or damage of the Spacecraft in 
    transit, (i) from Contractor's facility to storage, (ii) from its 
    facility to the storage site, (iii) from the storage site to the launch 
    site or (iv) if necessary, from the storage site to the refurbishment 
    site and then to the launch site.
    
B.  Upon the request of Buyer, the Contractor shall provide periodic 
    testing, necessary equipment, and environmental maintenance suitable for 
    prevention of deterioration to the Spacecraft during the period of 
    storage.  The cost for such service shall be subject to ARTICLE 19, 
    CHANGES, and shall be negotiated upon the request of such services by 
    Buyer.  Any deterioration to a Spacecraft while in storage shall be at 
    Buyer's risk and shall be corrected at Buyer's expense, unless such 
    deterioration is to be corrected by the Contractor under ARTICLE 21, 
    WARRANTY.
    
C.  If at any time after storage begins, Buyer elects to launch the stored 
    Spacecraft, the Contractor shall inspect, test and refurbish as 
    necessary such Spacecraft to a launch-ready condition and arrange for 
    transit to the launch site as directed by Buyer.  The cost for such 
    services shall be subject to ARTICLE 19, CHANGES, and shall be 
    negotiated in good faith by the Contractor and Buyer at the time such 
    services are required.  Notwithstanding anything in this ARTICLE, 
    Contractor will be responsible for transportation from Contractor's 
    facility or any other Contractor selected facility to the launch site as 
    set forth in ARTICLE 3, DELIVERY SCHEDULE, paragraph A., provided that 
    such transportation occurs within six (6)  months of successful 
    completion of in-plant acceptance testing.

D.  In the event a Spacecraft is placed into storage as a result of 
    paragraph A. above, Contractor shall be entitled to commencement of the 
    In-Orbit payments associated with such Spacecraft in accordance with the 
    provisions of ARTICLE 4, PAYMENT.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the 
    event that Contractor's late delivery of the Spacecraft is the sole 
    cause of the Spacecraft having to be placed into storage, the In-Orbit 
    payments shall commence at the earlier of sixty (60) days after 
    Spacecraft launch or twenty-four (24) months from the placement of the 
    Satellite into storage.

                                   31 - 1
<PAGE>

ARTICLE 32. (RESERVED)






                                   32 - 1

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 33.  INSURANCE

A.  In order to protect against financial losses associated with the risks 
    between Launch and continuing for five (5) years thereafter, Buyer, as 
    the representative party insured, shall enter into an insurance 
    contract, naming the Contractor as a party insured and covering the 
    In-Orbit payments specified in ARTICLE 4, PAYMENT, paragraphs B.2 and 
    C.2. Buyer shall bear all responsibility for payment of insurance 
    premiums associated with the aforementioned insurance policy.

B.  The details of the insurance Contract referred to in the preceding 
    paragraph shall be reasonably acceptable to Contractor.

C.  When the Buyer applies for insurance regarding risks relating to the 
    launching of the Spacecraft, the Contractor shall furnish Buyer with 
    such information regarding the Spacecraft as is requested by the 
    insurers.

D.  When, after taking delivery of the Spacecraft, the Buyer applies for 
    insurance regarding risks of the Spacecraft's malfunctioning or 
    non-performance during the life span specified for it in the Performance 
    Specifications, Contractor shall furnish the Buyer with such information 
    regarding the Spacecraft as is requested by the insurers.

E.  When Buyer obtains such insurance, Buyer agrees to cause its insurer(s)
    to waive all rights of subrogation against Contractor and its officer, 
    agents, servants, subsidiaries and employees.


  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Contract.

ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION              LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION

By: /s/ David K. Moskowitz              By:  /s/ Peter H. Wiggett
   -----------------------------          -------------------------------
Title:  Senior Vice President         Title: Director Contracts
                                             Astro Space Commercial

   Agree as to the guarantee.

ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS
CORPORATION

By:  /s/ David K. Moskowitz
    ----------------------------
Title: Senior Vice President



                                   33-1

<PAGE>



                                                                EXHIBIT 11
                                                               PAGE 1 OF 2

               ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                        COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                   (UNAUDITED)


PRIMARY EARNINGS PER SHARE CALCULATIONS

<TABLE>
                                            Three Months Ended        Six Months Ended
                                                 June 30,                 June 30,
                                            ------------------        ----------------
                                            1995         1996         1995        1996
                                            ----         ----         ----        ----
<S>                                       <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
INCOME DATA :
 Net loss .............................   $ (1,787)   $ (22,554)   $ (4,027)   $ (29,775)
 Preferred stock dividends ............       (301)        (301)       (602)        (602)
                                          ---------   ----------   ---------   ----------
 Net loss applicable to common shares..   $ (2,088)   $ (22,855)   $ (4,629)   $ (30,377)
                                          ---------   ----------   ---------   ----------
                                          ---------   ----------   ---------   ----------

COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARES:
 Weighted average common shares .......     33,988       40,432      33,655       40,404
 Equivalent common shares from 
  warrants ............................      --(a)        --(a)       --(a)        --(a)
 Equivalent common shares from stock 
  options .............................      --(a)        --(a)       --(a)        --(a)
                                          ---------   ----------   ---------   ----------
 Common and common equivalent shares...     33,988       40,432      33,655       40,404
                                          ---------   ----------   ---------   ----------
                                          ---------   ----------   ---------   ----------

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
 Net loss per common and common 
  equivalent shares ...................   $   (.06) $      (.57) $     (.14)   $    (.75)
                                          ---------   ----------   ---------   ----------
                                          ---------   ----------   ---------   ----------
</TABLE>


(a)   Excludes common stock equivalents which are antidilutive.



<PAGE>



                                                                EXHIBIT 11
                                                               PAGE 2 OF 2

            ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                 (UNAUDITED)


FULLY DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE CALCULATIONS

<TABLE>
                                              Three Months Ended        Six Months Ended
                                                   June 30,                 June 30,
                                              ------------------        ----------------
                                              1995         1996         1995        1996
                                              ----         ----         ----        ----
<S>                                         <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
INCOME DATA :
 Net loss applicable to common shares ....  $ (2,088)   $(22,855)   $ (4,629)   $(30,377)
                                            ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
                                            ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------

COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARES:
 Weighted average common shares ..........    33,988      40,432      33,766      40,404
 Equivalent common shares from warrants...     --(a)       --(a)       --(a)       --(a)
 Equivalent common shares from stock 
  options ................................     --(a)       --(a)       --(a)       --(a)
 Weighted average common shares from 
  conversion of preferred stock ..........     --(a)       --(a)       --(a)       --(a)
                                            ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
 Common and common equivalent shares .....    33,988      40,432      33,766      40,404
                                            ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
                                            ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
 Net loss per common and common 
  equivalent shares ......................  $   (.06)   $   (.57)   $  (.14)    $  (.75)
                                            ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
                                            ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
</TABLE>


(a) Excludes common stock equivalents and convertible preferred stock 
    which are antidilutive.







<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
ACCOMPANYING CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET OF ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 AND THE RELATED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
INCOME AND CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1996             JUN-30-1996
<CASH>                                          78,425                  78,425
<SECURITIES>                                    44,991                  44,991
<RECEIVABLES>                                   20,416                  20,416
<ALLOWANCES>                                     (848)                   (848)
<INVENTORY>                                     48,386                  48,386
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               225,773                 225,773
<PP&E>                                         446,687                 446,687
<DEPRECIATION>                                (19,906)                (19,906)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 996,765                 996,765
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           58,550                  58,550
<BONDS>                                        806,528                 806,528
                           17,797                  17,797
                                          0                       0
<COMMON>                                           406                     406
<OTHER-SE>                                     109,321                 109,321
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   996,765                 996,765
<SALES>                                         69,234<F1>             109,888<F1>
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                73,524                 114,991
<CGS>                                           62,072<F2>              98,105<F2>
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   87,581                 137,677
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                20,552                  23,935
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 (555)                      66
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              27,141<F3>              33,184<F3>
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (34,609)                (46,621)
<INCOME-TAX>                                    12,055                  16,846
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                           (22,554)                (29,775)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (22,554)                (29,775)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (0.57)                  (0.75)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (0.57)                  (0.75)
<FN>
<F1>INCLUDES SALES OF PROGRAMMING.
<F2>INCLUDES THE COST OF PROVIDING PROGRAMMING.
<F3>NET OF AMOUNTS CAPITALIZED.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>


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