<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
consolidated balance sheet of Golden Sky Systems, Inc. as of June 30, 2000
(unaudited) and the related consolidated statements of operations for the three
and six months ended June 30, 2000 (unaudited). This information is qualified in
its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<CURRENCY> US DOLLARS
<S> <C> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000 DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-2000 JUN-30-2000
<EXCHANGE-RATE> 1 1
<CASH> 1,533 1,533
<SECURITIES> 0 0
<RECEIVABLES> 10,098 10,098
<ALLOWANCES> 1,000 1,000
<INVENTORY> 630 630
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 24,003 24,003
<PP&E> 9,047 9,047
<DEPRECIATION> 4,842 4,842
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,504,686 1,504,686
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 38,874 38,874
<BONDS> 195,000 195,000
0 0
904 904
<COMMON> 0 0
<OTHER-SE> 730,685 730,685
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 1,504,686 1,504,686
<SALES> 43,723 87,271
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 43,723 87,271
<CGS> 0 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 68,423 121,335
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 1,330 1,648
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 8,449 16,755
<INCOME-PRETAX> (34,479) (52,467)
<INCOME-TAX> (8,454) (8,454)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (26,025) (44,013)
<DISCONTINUED> 0 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0 0
<CHANGES> 0 0
<NET-INCOME> (26,025) (44,013)
<EPS-BASIC> (260,250.00) (440,130.00)
<EPS-DILUTED> (260,250.00) (440,130.00)
</TABLE>