<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
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0                       0
<PREFERRED>                                        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>