<XBRL>
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!-- Created by Merrill Corporation -->
<!-- Generated by Fujitsu Interstage XWand B0166_M01 -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/CashFlows" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#CashFlows" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/BalanceSheet" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#BalanceSheet" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/BalanceSheetParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#BalanceSheetParenthetical" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/StatementOfIncome" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#StatementOfIncome" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/StatementOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#StatementOfStockholdersEquity" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureAcquisitionsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReportingDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingDetails4" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReportingDetails4" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReportingDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndBusinessActivitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureOrganizationAndBusinessActivitiesDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureDebtDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureBasicAndDilutedNetIncomeLossPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureBasicAndDilutedNetIncomeLossPerShareDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesDetails3" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesDetails3" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesDetails4" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesDetails4" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesDetails8" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesDetails8" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesDetails5" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesDetails5" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureAcquisitionsTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndBusinessActivitiesDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureOrganizationAndBusinessActivitiesDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails4" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails4" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingDetails3" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReportingDetails3" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityDeficitDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityDeficitDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityDeficitDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityDeficitDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureDebtDetails3" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureDebtDetails3" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureDebtDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureDebtDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureParentCompanyInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureParentCompanyInformationDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureParentCompanyInformationDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureParentCompanyInformationDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureParentCompanyInformationDetails3" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureParentCompanyInformationDetails3" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails2" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/CashFlows">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="StatementLineItems" xlink:title="StatementLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="StatementTable" xlink:title="StatementTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StatementTable" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StatementTable" order="10.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:title="StatementScenarioAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="StatementTable" xlink:to="StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:title="definition: StatementTable to StatementScenarioAxis" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:title="ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementScenarioAxis to ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2" xlink:title="ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: StatementScenarioAxis to ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:title="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" use="optional" order="80.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaid" xlink:label="InterestPaid" xlink:title="InterestPaid" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="InterestPaid" xlink:title="definition: SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract to InterestPaid" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidCapitalized" xlink:label="InterestPaidCapitalized" xlink:title="InterestPaidCapitalized" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="InterestPaidCapitalized" xlink:title="definition: SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract to InterestPaidCapitalized" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromInterestReceived" xlink:label="ProceedsFromInterestReceived" xlink:title="ProceedsFromInterestReceived" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="ProceedsFromInterestReceived" xlink:title="definition: SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract to ProceedsFromInterestReceived" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid" xlink:label="IncomeTaxesPaid" xlink:title="IncomeTaxesPaid" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="IncomeTaxesPaid" xlink:title="definition: SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract to IncomeTaxesPaid" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeBenefitsAndShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="EmployeeBenefitsAndShareBasedCompensation" xlink:title="EmployeeBenefitsAndShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="EmployeeBenefitsAndShareBasedCompensation" xlink:title="definition: SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract to EmployeeBenefitsAndShareBasedCompensation" use="optional" order="8040.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred" xlink:label="CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred" xlink:title="CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred" xlink:title="definition: SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract to CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ReductionOfCapitalLeaseObligationsAndAssociatedAssetValue1" xlink:label="ReductionOfCapitalLeaseObligationsAndAssociatedAssetValue1" xlink:title="ReductionOfCapitalLeaseObligationsAndAssociatedAssetValue1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="ReductionOfCapitalLeaseObligationsAndAssociatedAssetValue1" xlink:title="definition: SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract to ReductionOfCapitalLeaseObligationsAndAssociatedAssetValue1" use="optional" order="8050.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" xlink:label="CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" xlink:title="CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" xlink:title="definition: SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract to CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" use="optional" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContributionOfProperty" xlink:label="ContributionOfProperty" xlink:title="ContributionOfProperty" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="ContributionOfProperty" xlink:title="definition: SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract to ContributionOfProperty" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LaunchServiceSoldToRelatedPartiesNoncash" xlink:label="LaunchServiceSoldToRelatedPartiesNoncash" xlink:title="LaunchServiceSoldToRelatedPartiesNoncash" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="LaunchServiceSoldToRelatedPartiesNoncash" xlink:title="definition: SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract to LaunchServiceSoldToRelatedPartiesNoncash" use="optional" order="8010.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ReductionOfCapitalLeaseObligationsAndAssociatedAssetValue" xlink:label="ReductionOfCapitalLeaseObligationsAndAssociatedAssetValue" xlink:title="ReductionOfCapitalLeaseObligationsAndAssociatedAssetValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="ReductionOfCapitalLeaseObligationsAndAssociatedAssetValue" xlink:title="definition: SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract to ReductionOfCapitalLeaseObligationsAndAssociatedAssetValue" use="optional" order="8020.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ReductionOfCapitalLeaseObligationsAndAssociatedAssetValue2" xlink:label="ReductionOfCapitalLeaseObligationsAndAssociatedAssetValue2" xlink:title="ReductionOfCapitalLeaseObligationsAndAssociatedAssetValue2" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="ReductionOfCapitalLeaseObligationsAndAssociatedAssetValue2" xlink:title="definition: SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract to ReductionOfCapitalLeaseObligationsAndAssociatedAssetValue2" use="optional" order="8030.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:title="CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" use="optional" order="70.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations" xlink:label="NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations" xlink:title="NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations" use="optional" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations" xlink:label="EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations" xlink:title="EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:title="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="RepaymentsOfDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:title="RepaymentsOfDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="RepaymentsOfDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to RepaymentsOfDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:title="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ContributionOfCashAndCashEquivalentsInConnectionWithSpinOff" xlink:label="ContributionOfCashAndCashEquivalentsInConnectionWithSpinOff" xlink:title="ContributionOfCashAndCashEquivalentsInConnectionWithSpinOff" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="ContributionOfCashAndCashEquivalentsInConnectionWithSpinOff" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to ContributionOfCashAndCashEquivalentsInConnectionWithSpinOff" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:label="ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:title="ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions" xlink:label="ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions" xlink:title="ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:label="PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:title="PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" use="optional" order="8020.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:title="PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSeniorLongTermDebt" xlink:label="ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSeniorLongTermDebt" xlink:title="ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSeniorLongTermDebt" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSeniorLongTermDebt" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSeniorLongTermDebt" use="optional" order="8010.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:title="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:title="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations" use="optional" order="80.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromInsuranceSettlementInvestingActivities" xlink:label="ProceedsFromInsuranceSettlementInvestingActivities" xlink:title="ProceedsFromInsuranceSettlementInvestingActivities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="ProceedsFromInsuranceSettlementInvestingActivities" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to ProceedsFromInsuranceSettlementInvestingActivities" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:label="PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:title="PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" use="optional" order="70.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleMaturityAndCollectionsOfInvestments" xlink:label="ProceedsFromSaleMaturityAndCollectionsOfInvestments" xlink:title="ProceedsFromSaleMaturityAndCollectionsOfInvestments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="ProceedsFromSaleMaturityAndCollectionsOfInvestments" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to ProceedsFromSaleMaturityAndCollectionsOfInvestments" use="optional" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:title="PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" use="optional" order="8030.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments" xlink:label="PaymentsToAcquireInvestments" xlink:title="PaymentsToAcquireInvestments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsToAcquireInvestments" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to PaymentsToAcquireInvestments" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:title="PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" use="optional" order="8020.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ChangeInRestrictedCashAndMarketableInvestmentSecurities" xlink:label="ChangeInRestrictedCashAndMarketableInvestmentSecurities" xlink:title="ChangeInRestrictedCashAndMarketableInvestmentSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="ChangeInRestrictedCashAndMarketableInvestmentSecurities" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to ChangeInRestrictedCashAndMarketableInvestmentSecurities" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LaunchServiceSoldToRelatedParties" xlink:label="LaunchServiceSoldToRelatedParties" xlink:title="LaunchServiceSoldToRelatedParties" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="LaunchServiceSoldToRelatedParties" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to LaunchServiceSoldToRelatedParties" use="optional" order="8010.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:title="PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities" xlink:label="ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities" xlink:title="ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecurities" xlink:label="PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecurities" xlink:title="PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecurities" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecurities" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:title="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:title="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:title="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:title="AssetImpairmentCharges" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:title="definition: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to AssetImpairmentCharges" use="optional" order="8010.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:title="definition: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssets" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssets" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssets" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract to IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssets" use="optional" order="8040.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract to IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities" use="optional" order="8070.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableRelatedParties" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableRelatedParties" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableRelatedParties" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableRelatedParties" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract to IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableRelatedParties" use="optional" order="8060.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableTrade" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableTrade" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableTrade" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableTrade" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract to IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableTrade" use="optional" order="8050.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInInventories" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInInventories" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInInventories" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract to IncreaseDecreaseInInventories" use="optional" order="8030.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivableRelatedParties" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivableRelatedParties" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivableRelatedParties" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivableRelatedParties" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract to IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivableRelatedParties" use="optional" order="8020.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherReceivables" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInOtherReceivables" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInOtherReceivables" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInOtherReceivables" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract to IncreaseDecreaseInOtherReceivables" use="optional" order="8010.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract to IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:title="definition: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" use="optional" order="80.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet" xlink:title="definition: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet" use="optional" order="70.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="definition: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" use="optional" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:title="definition: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to ShareBasedCompensation" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" xlink:label="UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" xlink:title="UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" xlink:title="definition: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" xlink:label="GainLossOnInvestments" xlink:title="GainLossOnInvestments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="GainLossOnInvestments" xlink:title="definition: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to GainLossOnInvestments" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:title="IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:title="definition: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:title="DepreciationAndAmortization" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:title="definition: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to DepreciationAndAmortization" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital" xlink:title="definition: AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract to IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital" use="optional" order="90.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="ProfitLoss" xlink:title="ProfitLoss" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="ProfitLoss" xlink:title="definition: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract to ProfitLoss" use="optional" order="10.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/BalanceSheet">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="StatementLineItems" xlink:title="StatementLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="StatementTable" xlink:title="StatementTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StatementTable" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StatementTable" order="10.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="StatementTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: StatementTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain_2" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="CommonClassAMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassAMember" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="CommonClassBMember" xlink:title="CommonClassBMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassBMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassBMember" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_CommonClassDMember" xlink:label="CommonClassDMember" xlink:title="CommonClassDMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassDMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassDMember" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember" xlink:label="CommonClassCMember" xlink:title="CommonClassCMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassCMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassCMember" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="AssetsAbstract" xlink:title="AssetsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="AssetsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to AssetsAbstract" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:title="AssetsCurrentAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:title="definition: AssetsAbstract to AssetsCurrentAbstract" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:title="CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:title="definition: AssetsCurrentAbstract to CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:title="definition: AssetsCurrentAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:title="AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:title="definition: AssetsCurrentAbstract to AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:title="AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:title="definition: AssetsCurrentAbstract to AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="InventoryNet" xlink:title="InventoryNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="InventoryNet" xlink:title="definition: AssetsCurrentAbstract to InventoryNet" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:title="OtherAssetsCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:title="definition: AssetsCurrentAbstract to OtherAssetsCurrent" use="optional" order="70.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="AssetsCurrent" xlink:title="AssetsCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="AssetsCurrent" xlink:title="definition: AssetsCurrentAbstract to AssetsCurrent" use="optional" order="80.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetCurrent" xlink:label="DeferredTaxAssetsNetCurrent" xlink:title="DeferredTaxAssetsNetCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxAssetsNetCurrent" xlink:title="definition: AssetsCurrentAbstract to DeferredTaxAssetsNetCurrent" use="optional" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:title="AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:title="definition: AssetsAbstract to AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsNoncurrent" xlink:label="RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsNoncurrent" xlink:title="RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsNoncurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsNoncurrent" xlink:title="definition: AssetsNoncurrentAbstract to RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsNoncurrent" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:title="definition: AssetsNoncurrentAbstract to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedLicenseAgreements" xlink:label="IndefiniteLivedLicenseAgreements" xlink:title="IndefiniteLivedLicenseAgreements" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="IndefiniteLivedLicenseAgreements" xlink:title="definition: AssetsNoncurrentAbstract to IndefiniteLivedLicenseAgreements" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:title="IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:title="definition: AssetsNoncurrentAbstract to IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="Goodwill" xlink:title="Goodwill" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="Goodwill" xlink:title="definition: AssetsNoncurrentAbstract to Goodwill" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermInvestments" xlink:label="LongTermInvestments" xlink:title="LongTermInvestments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="LongTermInvestments" xlink:title="definition: AssetsNoncurrentAbstract to LongTermInvestments" use="optional" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:title="OtherAssetsNoncurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:title="definition: AssetsNoncurrentAbstract to OtherAssetsNoncurrent" use="optional" order="70.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="AssetsNoncurrent" xlink:title="AssetsNoncurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="AssetsNoncurrent" xlink:title="definition: AssetsNoncurrentAbstract to AssetsNoncurrent" use="optional" order="80.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="Assets" xlink:title="Assets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="Assets" xlink:title="definition: AssetsAbstract to Assets" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:title="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:title="LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:title="AccountsPayableCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract to AccountsPayableCurrent" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:title="AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract to AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedRoyaltiesCurrent" xlink:label="AccruedRoyaltiesCurrent" xlink:title="AccruedRoyaltiesCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="AccruedRoyaltiesCurrent" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract to AccruedRoyaltiesCurrent" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:title="OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract to OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" use="optional" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:title="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract to DeferredTaxLiabilitiesCurrent" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:title="LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract to LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" use="optional" order="70.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:title="LiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract to LiabilitiesCurrent" use="optional" order="80.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCreditsAndOtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="DeferredCreditsAndOtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:title="DeferredCreditsAndOtherLiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredCreditsAndOtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract to DeferredCreditsAndOtherLiabilitiesCurrent" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent" xlink:label="InterestPayableCurrent" xlink:title="InterestPayableCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="InterestPayableCurrent" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract to InterestPayableCurrent" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:title="LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:title="LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract to LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:title="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract to DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredLongTermLiabilityCharges" xlink:label="DeferredLongTermLiabilityCharges" xlink:title="DeferredLongTermLiabilityCharges" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredLongTermLiabilityCharges" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract to DeferredLongTermLiabilityCharges" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="LiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:title="LiabilitiesNoncurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="LiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract to LiabilitiesNoncurrent" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:title="OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract to OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DeferredRevenueAndOtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="DeferredRevenueAndOtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:title="DeferredRevenueAndOtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredRevenueAndOtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract to DeferredRevenueAndOtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" use="optional" order="8010.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="Liabilities" xlink:title="Liabilities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="Liabilities" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to Liabilities" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:title="CommitmentsAndContingencies" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to CommitmentsAndContingencies" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:title="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="PreferredStockValue" xlink:title="PreferredStockValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="PreferredStockValue" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract to PreferredStockValue" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="CommonStockValue" xlink:title="CommonStockValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="CommonStockValue" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract to CommonStockValue" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:title="AdditionalPaidInCapital" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract to AdditionalPaidInCapital" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:title="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract to AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:title="RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract to RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue" xlink:label="TreasuryStockValue" xlink:title="TreasuryStockValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="TreasuryStockValue" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract to TreasuryStockValue" use="optional" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="StockholdersEquity" xlink:title="StockholdersEquity" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="StockholdersEquity" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract to StockholdersEquity" use="optional" order="70.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest" xlink:label="MinorityInterest" xlink:title="MinorityInterest" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="MinorityInterest" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract to MinorityInterest" use="optional" order="80.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:title="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract to StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" use="optional" order="90.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:title="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" use="optional" order="60.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/BalanceSheetParenthetical">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="StatementLineItems" xlink:title="StatementLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="StatementTable" xlink:title="StatementTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StatementTable" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StatementTable" order="10.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="StatementTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: StatementTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="CommonClassAMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassAMember" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="CommonClassBMember" xlink:title="CommonClassBMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassBMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassBMember" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_CommonClassDMember" xlink:label="CommonClassDMember" xlink:title="CommonClassDMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassDMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassDMember" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember" xlink:label="CommonClassCMember" xlink:title="CommonClassCMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassCMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassCMember" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:title="AssetsCurrentAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableFromRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableFromRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:title="AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableFromRelatedPartiesCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableFromRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:title="definition: AssetsCurrentAbstract to AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableFromRelatedPartiesCurrent" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent" xlink:label="AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent" xlink:title="AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent" xlink:title="definition: AssetsCurrentAbstract to AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:title="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:title="CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract to CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="CommonStockSharesAuthorized" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract to CommonStockSharesAuthorized" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:title="CommonStockSharesIssued" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract to CommonStockSharesIssued" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="CommonStockSharesOutstanding" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract to CommonStockSharesOutstanding" order="40.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to AssetsCurrentAbstract" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:title="PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:title="PreferredStockSharesIssued" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to PreferredStockSharesIssued" use="optional" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" use="optional" order="70.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" use="optional" order="80.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:title="AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:title="AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" use="optional" order="30.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/StatementOfIncome">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="StatementLineItems" xlink:title="StatementLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="StatementTable" xlink:title="StatementTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StatementTable" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StatementTable" order="10.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:title="StatementScenarioAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="StatementTable" xlink:to="StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:title="definition: StatementTable to StatementScenarioAxis" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:title="ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementScenarioAxis to ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:title="RevenuesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to RevenuesAbstract" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EquipmentRevenueRelatedParty" xlink:label="EquipmentRevenueRelatedParty" xlink:title="EquipmentRevenueRelatedParty" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="EquipmentRevenueRelatedParty" xlink:title="definition: RevenuesAbstract to EquipmentRevenueRelatedParty" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet" xlink:label="SalesRevenueGoodsNet" xlink:title="SalesRevenueGoodsNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="SalesRevenueGoodsNet" xlink:title="definition: RevenuesAbstract to SalesRevenueGoodsNet" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ServicesAndOtherRevenueRelatedParty" xlink:label="ServicesAndOtherRevenueRelatedParty" xlink:title="ServicesAndOtherRevenueRelatedParty" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="ServicesAndOtherRevenueRelatedParty" xlink:title="definition: RevenuesAbstract to ServicesAndOtherRevenueRelatedParty" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueServicesNet" xlink:label="SalesRevenueServicesNet" xlink:title="SalesRevenueServicesNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="SalesRevenueServicesNet" xlink:title="definition: RevenuesAbstract to SalesRevenueServicesNet" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet" xlink:label="SalesRevenueNet" xlink:title="SalesRevenueNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="SalesRevenueNet" xlink:title="definition: RevenuesAbstract to SalesRevenueNet" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:title="CostsAndExpensesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to CostsAndExpensesAbstract" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold" xlink:label="CostOfGoodsSold" xlink:title="CostOfGoodsSold" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="CostOfGoodsSold" xlink:title="definition: CostsAndExpensesAbstract to CostOfGoodsSold" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfServices" xlink:label="CostOfServices" xlink:title="CostOfServices" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="CostOfServices" xlink:title="definition: CostsAndExpensesAbstract to CostOfServices" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" xlink:label="ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" xlink:title="ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" xlink:title="definition: CostsAndExpensesAbstract to ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:title="SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:title="definition: CostsAndExpensesAbstract to SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesRelatedParty" xlink:label="GeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesRelatedParty" xlink:title="GeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesRelatedParty" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="GeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesRelatedParty" xlink:title="definition: CostsAndExpensesAbstract to GeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesRelatedParty" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:title="DepreciationAndAmortization" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:title="definition: CostsAndExpensesAbstract to DepreciationAndAmortization" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="CostsAndExpenses" xlink:title="CostsAndExpenses" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="CostsAndExpenses" xlink:title="definition: CostsAndExpensesAbstract to CostsAndExpenses" order="70.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:title="OperatingIncomeLoss" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to OperatingIncomeLoss" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:title="NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:label="InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:title="InvestmentIncomeInterest" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:title="definition: NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract to InvestmentIncomeInterest" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:label="InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:title="InterestExpenseDebt" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:title="definition: NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract to InterestExpenseDebt" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" xlink:label="GainLossOnInvestments" xlink:title="GainLossOnInvestments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="GainLossOnInvestments" xlink:title="definition: NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract to GainLossOnInvestments" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" xlink:label="UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" xlink:title="UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" xlink:title="definition: NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract to UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:title="OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:title="definition: NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract to OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:title="NonoperatingIncomeExpense" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:title="definition: NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract to NonoperatingIncomeExpense" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_IncomeLossBeforeIncomeTax" xlink:label="IncomeLossBeforeIncomeTax" xlink:title="IncomeLossBeforeIncomeTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="IncomeLossBeforeIncomeTax" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to IncomeLossBeforeIncomeTax" use="optional" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" use="optional" order="70.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="ProfitLoss" xlink:title="ProfitLoss" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="ProfitLoss" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to ProfitLoss" use="optional" order="80.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:title="NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" use="optional" order="90.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:title="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" use="optional" order="100.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:label="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:title="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" use="optional" order="110.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:title="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:title="definition: WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract to WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="definition: WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract to WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:title="EarningsPerShareAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to EarningsPerShareAbstract" use="optional" order="120.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:title="EarningsPerShareBasic" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:title="definition: EarningsPerShareAbstract to EarningsPerShareBasic" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:title="EarningsPerShareDiluted" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:title="definition: EarningsPerShareAbstract to EarningsPerShareDiluted" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:title="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" use="optional" order="130.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:title="definition: OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:title="definition: OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForSaleOfSecuritiesIncludedInNetIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForSaleOfSecuritiesIncludedInNetIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForSaleOfSecuritiesIncludedInNetIncomeNetOfTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForSaleOfSecuritiesIncludedInNetIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:title="definition: OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForSaleOfSecuritiesIncludedInNetIncomeNetOfTax" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:title="definition: OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:title="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:title="definition: ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract to ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:title="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:title="definition: ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract to ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:title="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:title="definition: ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract to ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" use="optional" order="40.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="StatementLineItems" xlink:title="StatementLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="StatementTable" xlink:title="StatementTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StatementTable" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StatementTable" order="10.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="StatementTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: StatementTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="CommonClassAMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassAMember" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="CommonClassBMember" xlink:title="CommonClassBMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassBMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassBMember" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="EntityRegistrantName" xlink:title="EntityRegistrantName" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="EntityRegistrantName" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to EntityRegistrantName" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:title="EntityCentralIndexKey" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to EntityCentralIndexKey" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="DocumentType" xlink:title="DocumentType" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="DocumentType" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to DocumentType" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:title="DocumentPeriodEndDate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to DocumentPeriodEndDate" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="AmendmentFlag" xlink:title="AmendmentFlag" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="AmendmentFlag" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to AmendmentFlag" use="optional" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentDescription" xlink:label="AmendmentDescription" xlink:title="AmendmentDescription" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="AmendmentDescription" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to AmendmentDescription" use="optional" order="70.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:title="CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" use="optional" order="80.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" xlink:label="EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" xlink:title="EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" use="optional" order="90.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers" xlink:label="EntityVoluntaryFilers" xlink:title="EntityVoluntaryFilers" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="EntityVoluntaryFilers" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to EntityVoluntaryFilers" use="optional" order="100.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:label="EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:title="EntityCurrentReportingStatus" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to EntityCurrentReportingStatus" use="optional" order="110.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="EntityFilerCategory" xlink:title="EntityFilerCategory" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="EntityFilerCategory" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to EntityFilerCategory" use="optional" order="120.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityPublicFloat" xlink:label="EntityPublicFloat" xlink:title="EntityPublicFloat" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="EntityPublicFloat" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to EntityPublicFloat" use="optional" order="130.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" use="optional" order="140.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:title="DocumentFiscalYearFocus" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to DocumentFiscalYearFocus" use="optional" order="150.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:title="DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" use="optional" order="160.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/StatementOfStockholdersEquity">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="StatementLineItems" xlink:title="StatementLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="StatementTable" xlink:title="StatementTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StatementTable" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StatementTable" order="10.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="StatementTable" xlink:to="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: StatementTable to StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="EquityComponentDomain_2" xlink:title="EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="EquityComponentDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: StatementEquityComponentsAxis to EquityComponentDomain" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementEquityComponentsAxis to EquityComponentDomain" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentMember" xlink:label="ParentMember" xlink:title="ParentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="ParentMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to ParentMember" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="CommonStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ParentMember" xlink:to="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ParentMember to CommonStockMember" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:title="AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ParentMember" xlink:to="AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:title="definition: ParentMember to AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:title="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ParentMember" xlink:to="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:title="definition: ParentMember to AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:title="RetainedEarningsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ParentMember" xlink:to="RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:title="definition: ParentMember to RetainedEarningsMember" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_OwnershipInterestMember" xlink:label="OwnershipInterestMember" xlink:title="OwnershipInterestMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ParentMember" xlink:to="OwnershipInterestMember" xlink:title="definition: ParentMember to OwnershipInterestMember" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" xlink:label="TreasuryStockMember" xlink:title="TreasuryStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ParentMember" xlink:to="TreasuryStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ParentMember to TreasuryStockMember" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:title="NoncontrollingInterestMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to NoncontrollingInterestMember" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_CapitalTransactionWithRelatedPartyInConnectionWithLaunchService" xlink:label="CapitalTransactionWithRelatedPartyInConnectionWithLaunchService" xlink:title="CapitalTransactionWithRelatedPartyInConnectionWithLaunchService" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="CapitalTransactionWithRelatedPartyInConnectionWithLaunchService" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to CapitalTransactionWithRelatedPartyInConnectionWithLaunchService" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_IssuancesOfClassCommonStockAbstract" xlink:label="IssuancesOfClassCommonStockAbstract" xlink:title="IssuancesOfClassCommonStockAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="IssuancesOfClassCommonStockAbstract" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to IssuancesOfClassCommonStockAbstract" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IssuancesOfClassCommonStockAbstract" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:title="definition: IssuancesOfClassCommonStockAbstract to StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IssuancesOfClassCommonStockAbstract" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" xlink:title="definition: IssuancesOfClassCommonStockAbstract to StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:label="TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:title="TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:title="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation" xlink:title="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation" use="optional" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease" use="optional" order="70.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease" use="optional" order="80.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination" xlink:label="NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination" xlink:title="NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination" use="optional" order="90.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="StockholdersEquityPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:title="StockholdersEquityPeriodIncreaseDecrease" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="StockholdersEquityPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to StockholdersEquityPeriodIncreaseDecrease" use="optional" order="130.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ContributionFromRelatedPartyInConnectionWithSpinoff" xlink:label="ContributionFromRelatedPartyInConnectionWithSpinoff" xlink:title="ContributionFromRelatedPartyInConnectionWithSpinoff" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="ContributionFromRelatedPartyInConnectionWithSpinoff" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to ContributionFromRelatedPartyInConnectionWithSpinoff" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_StockBasedCompensationAndOtherNetOfTax" xlink:label="StockBasedCompensationAndOtherNetOfTax" xlink:title="StockBasedCompensationAndOtherNetOfTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="StockBasedCompensationAndOtherNetOfTax" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to StockBasedCompensationAndOtherNetOfTax" use="optional" order="8010.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_TaxRelatedToCapitalTransactionWithRelatedPartyInConnectionWithLaunchContract" xlink:label="TaxRelatedToCapitalTransactionWithRelatedPartyInConnectionWithLaunchContract" xlink:title="TaxRelatedToCapitalTransactionWithRelatedPartyInConnectionWithLaunchContract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="TaxRelatedToCapitalTransactionWithRelatedPartyInConnectionWithLaunchContract" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to TaxRelatedToCapitalTransactionWithRelatedPartyInConnectionWithLaunchContract" use="optional" order="8020.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_CapitalTransactionsWithRelatedPartyNetOfTax" xlink:label="CapitalTransactionsWithRelatedPartyNetOfTax" xlink:title="CapitalTransactionsWithRelatedPartyNetOfTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="CapitalTransactionsWithRelatedPartyNetOfTax" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to CapitalTransactionsWithRelatedPartyNetOfTax" use="optional" order="20.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureBasicAndDilutedNetIncomeLossPerShareDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="CommonClassAMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassAMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:title="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:title="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems to AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems to ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable to AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:title="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis to AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2" xlink:title="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis to AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember" xlink:label="StockCompensationPlanMember" xlink:title="StockCompensationPlanMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="StockCompensationPlanMember" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain to StockCompensationPlanMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockOptionsMember" xlink:label="StockOptionsMember" xlink:title="StockOptionsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="StockOptionsMember" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain to StockOptionsMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:title="RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain to RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LongTermPerformanceBasedPlansMember" xlink:label="LongTermPerformanceBasedPlansMember" xlink:title="LongTermPerformanceBasedPlansMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="LongTermPerformanceBasedPlansMember" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain to LongTermPerformanceBasedPlansMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmountAbstract" xlink:label="DilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmountAbstract" xlink:title="DilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmountAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="DilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmountAbstract" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems to DilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmountAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="DilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:title="DilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmountAbstract" xlink:to="DilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:title="definition: DilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmountAbstract to DilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" use="optional" order="1.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="CommonClassAMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassAMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="CommonClassBMember" xlink:title="CommonClassBMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassBMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassBMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LongTermPerformanceBasedPlansMember" xlink:label="LongTermPerformanceBasedPlansMember" xlink:title="LongTermPerformanceBasedPlansMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LongTermIncentivePlan2005Member" xlink:label="LongTermIncentivePlan2005Member" xlink:title="LongTermIncentivePlan2005Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LongTermPerformanceBasedPlansMember" xlink:to="LongTermIncentivePlan2005Member" xlink:title="definition: LongTermPerformanceBasedPlansMember to LongTermIncentivePlan2005Member" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderAxis" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderAxis" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderDomain_2" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderDomain" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:usable="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_HeldByEmployeesOfRelatedPartyMember" xlink:label="HeldByEmployeesOfRelatedPartyMember" xlink:title="HeldByEmployeesOfRelatedPartyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderDomain" xlink:to="HeldByEmployeesOfRelatedPartyMember" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderDomain to HeldByEmployeesOfRelatedPartyMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_HeldByEmployeesOfEntityMember" xlink:label="HeldByEmployeesOfEntityMember" xlink:title="HeldByEmployeesOfEntityMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderDomain" xlink:to="HeldByEmployeesOfEntityMember" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardHolderDomain to HeldByEmployeesOfEntityMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerAxis" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerAxis" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerDomain_2" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerDomain" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:usable="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NonPerformanceBasedStockAwardsMember" xlink:label="NonPerformanceBasedStockAwardsMember" xlink:title="NonPerformanceBasedStockAwardsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerDomain" xlink:to="NonPerformanceBasedStockAwardsMember" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerDomain to NonPerformanceBasedStockAwardsMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyAwardsMember" xlink:label="RelatedPartyAwardsMember" xlink:title="RelatedPartyAwardsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerDomain" xlink:to="RelatedPartyAwardsMember" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerDomain to RelatedPartyAwardsMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EntityStockAwardsMember" xlink:label="EntityStockAwardsMember" xlink:title="EntityStockAwardsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerDomain" xlink:to="EntityStockAwardsMember" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentOriginalAwardIssuerDomain to EntityStockAwardsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameAxis" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameAxis" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:usable="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:title="EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to EmployeeStockOptionMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="LongTermPerformanceBasedPlansMember" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to LongTermPerformanceBasedPlansMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RestrictedPerformanceUnitsMember" xlink:label="RestrictedPerformanceUnitsMember" xlink:title="RestrictedPerformanceUnitsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="RestrictedPerformanceUnitsMember" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to RestrictedPerformanceUnitsMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:title="RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="MinimumMember" xlink:title="MinimumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MinimumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MinimumMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_VestingRightsPercentage" xlink:label="VestingRightsPercentage" xlink:title="VestingRightsPercentage" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="VestingRightsPercentage" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to VestingRightsPercentage" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardRightToReceiveAwardUponHoldingOneUnitOfAward" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardRightToReceiveAwardUponHoldingOneUnitOfAward" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardRightToReceiveAwardUponHoldingOneUnitOfAward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardRightToReceiveAwardUponHoldingOneUnitOfAward" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardRightToReceiveAwardUponHoldingOneUnitOfAward" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_MultiplicationFactorForConversionOfOriginalStockOptionToAdjustedStockOption" xlink:label="MultiplicationFactorForConversionOfOriginalStockOptionToAdjustedStockOption" xlink:title="MultiplicationFactorForConversionOfOriginalStockOptionToAdjustedStockOption" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="MultiplicationFactorForConversionOfOriginalStockOptionToAdjustedStockOption" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to MultiplicationFactorForConversionOfOriginalStockOptionToAdjustedStockOption" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_MultiplicationFactorForConversionOfOriginalStockOptionToNewStockOption" xlink:label="MultiplicationFactorForConversionOfOriginalStockOptionToNewStockOption" xlink:title="MultiplicationFactorForConversionOfOriginalStockOptionToNewStockOption" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="MultiplicationFactorForConversionOfOriginalStockOptionToNewStockOption" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to MultiplicationFactorForConversionOfOriginalStockOptionToNewStockOption" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRightToReceiveAwardUponHoldingOneUnitOfAward" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRightToReceiveAwardUponHoldingOneUnitOfAward" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRightToReceiveAwardUponHoldingOneUnitOfAward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRightToReceiveAwardUponHoldingOneUnitOfAward" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRightToReceiveAwardUponHoldingOneUnitOfAward" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDisclosuresWeightedAverageExercisePriceAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDisclosuresWeightedAverageExercisePriceAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDisclosuresWeightedAverageExercisePriceAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDisclosuresWeightedAverageExercisePriceAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDisclosuresWeightedAverageExercisePriceAbstract" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDisclosuresWeightedAverageExercisePriceAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDisclosuresWeightedAverageExercisePriceAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDisclosuresWeightedAverageExercisePriceAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDisclosuresWeightedAverageExercisePriceAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDisclosuresWeightedAverageExercisePriceAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDisclosuresWeightedAverageExercisePriceAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDisclosuresWeightedAverageExercisePriceAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDisclosuresWeightedAverageExercisePriceAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDisclosuresWeightedAverageExercisePriceAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDisclosuresWeightedAverageExercisePriceAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAdditionalGeneralDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAdditionalGeneralDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAdditionalGeneralDisclosuresAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAdditionalGeneralDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAdditionalGeneralDisclosuresAbstract" use="optional" order="11.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxBenefitFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="TaxBenefitFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:title="TaxBenefitFromStockOptionsExercised" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAdditionalGeneralDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="TaxBenefitFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAdditionalGeneralDisclosuresAbstract to TaxBenefitFromStockOptionsExercised" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValueAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValueAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValueAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValueAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValueAbstract" use="optional" order="12.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValueAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValueAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValueAbstract" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValueAbstract to SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" use="optional" order="13.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NonvestedPerformanceBasedPlansAwardsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="NonvestedPerformanceBasedPlansAwardsOutstandingNumber" xlink:title="NonvestedPerformanceBasedPlansAwardsOutstandingNumber" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="NonvestedPerformanceBasedPlansAwardsOutstandingNumber" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to NonvestedPerformanceBasedPlansAwardsOutstandingNumber" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" use="optional" order="14.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTermsAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationAwardTermsAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationAwardTermsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationAwardTermsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationAwardTermsAbstract" use="optional" order="15.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationAwardTermsAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationAwardTermsAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageAwardsVestedPerYearDuringFirstFourYears" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageAwardsVestedPerYearDuringFirstFourYears" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageAwardsVestedPerYearDuringFirstFourYears" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationAwardTermsAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageAwardsVestedPerYearDuringFirstFourYears" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationAwardTermsAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageAwardsVestedPerYearDuringFirstFourYears" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageAwardsVestedPerYearAfterFirstFourYears" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageAwardsVestedPerYearAfterFirstFourYears" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageAwardsVestedPerYearAfterFirstFourYears" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationAwardTermsAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageAwardsVestedPerYearAfterFirstFourYears" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationAwardTermsAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageAwardsVestedPerYearAfterFirstFourYears" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsCompensationCostsAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsCompensationCostsAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsCompensationCostsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsCompensationCostsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsCompensationCostsAbstract" use="optional" order="16.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_TotalUnrecognizedNonCashStockBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="TotalUnrecognizedNonCashStockBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:title="TotalUnrecognizedNonCashStockBasedCompensationExpense" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsCompensationCostsAbstract" xlink:to="TotalUnrecognizedNonCashStockBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsCompensationCostsAbstract to TotalUnrecognizedNonCashStockBasedCompensationExpense" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_UnrecognizedNonCashStockBasedCompensationExpenseOnVestedPortion" xlink:label="UnrecognizedNonCashStockBasedCompensationExpenseOnVestedPortion" xlink:title="UnrecognizedNonCashStockBasedCompensationExpenseOnVestedPortion" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsCompensationCostsAbstract" xlink:to="UnrecognizedNonCashStockBasedCompensationExpenseOnVestedPortion" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsCompensationCostsAbstract to UnrecognizedNonCashStockBasedCompensationExpenseOnVestedPortion" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract" use="optional" order="17.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:title="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:title="definition: EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract to EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEstimatedFutureForfeitureRate" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEstimatedFutureForfeitureRate" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEstimatedFutureForfeitureRate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEstimatedFutureForfeitureRate" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEstimatedFutureForfeitureRate" use="optional" order="18.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition" xlink:label="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition" xlink:title="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition" use="optional" order="19.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTermMinimum" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTermMinimum" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTermMinimum" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTermMinimum" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTermMinimum" use="optional" order="8004.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTermMaximum" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTermMaximum" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTermMaximum" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTermMaximum" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTermMaximum" use="optional" order="8005.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" use="optional" order="8006.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardExpirationDating" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardExpirationDating" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardExpirationDating" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardExpirationDating" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardExpirationDating" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NewStockOptionsForPortionOfOriginalStockOptions" xlink:label="NewStockOptionsForPortionOfOriginalStockOptions" xlink:title="NewStockOptionsForPortionOfOriginalStockOptions" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="NewStockOptionsForPortionOfOriginalStockOptions" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to NewStockOptionsForPortionOfOriginalStockOptions" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid" xlink:label="CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid" xlink:title="CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid" use="optional" order="21.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfEmployeesHoldingStockOptions" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfEmployeesHoldingStockOptions" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfEmployeesHoldingStockOptions" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfEmployeesHoldingStockOptions" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfEmployeesHoldingStockOptions" order="22.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceAdjustment" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceAdjustment" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceAdjustment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceAdjustment" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceAdjustment" order="23.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NonCashStockBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="NonCashStockBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:title="NonCashStockBasedCompensationExpense" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="NonCashStockBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to NonCashStockBasedCompensationExpense" order="24.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityDeficitDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="CommonClassAMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassAMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="CommonClassBMember" xlink:title="CommonClassBMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassBMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassBMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember" xlink:label="CommonClassCMember" xlink:title="CommonClassCMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassCMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassCMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:title="ClassOfStockLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfStockByClassTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_CommonStockConvertibleIntoNumberOfSharesOfClassACommonStock" xlink:label="CommonStockConvertibleIntoNumberOfSharesOfClassACommonStock" xlink:title="CommonStockConvertibleIntoNumberOfSharesOfClassACommonStock" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="CommonStockConvertibleIntoNumberOfSharesOfClassACommonStock" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to CommonStockConvertibleIntoNumberOfSharesOfClassACommonStock" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_CommonStockVotingRightsInEventOfChangeOfControl" xlink:label="CommonStockVotingRightsInEventOfChangeOfControl" xlink:title="CommonStockVotingRightsInEventOfChangeOfControl" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="CommonStockVotingRightsInEventOfChangeOfControl" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to CommonStockVotingRightsInEventOfChangeOfControl" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockVotingRights" xlink:label="CommonStockVotingRights" xlink:title="CommonStockVotingRights" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="CommonStockVotingRights" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to CommonStockVotingRights" order="2.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureParentCompanyInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="CommonClassAMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassAMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="CommonClassBMember" xlink:title="CommonClassBMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassBMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassBMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_CommonClassDMember" xlink:label="CommonClassDMember" xlink:title="CommonClassDMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassDMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassDMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember" xlink:label="CommonClassCMember" xlink:title="CommonClassCMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassCMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassCMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:title="CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:title="definition: CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems to ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:to="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable to LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="EntityDomain" xlink:title="EntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="EntityDomain" xlink:title="definition: LegalEntityAxis to EntityDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="ParentCompanyMember" xlink:title="ParentCompanyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="ParentCompanyMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureParentCompanyInformationDetails3">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:title="CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:title="definition: CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems to ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:to="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable to LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="EntityDomain" xlink:title="EntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="EntityDomain" xlink:title="definition: LegalEntityAxis to EntityDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="ParentCompanyMember" xlink:title="ParentCompanyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="ParentCompanyMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureParentCompanyInformationDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:title="CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:title="definition: CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems to ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:to="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable to LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="EntityDomain" xlink:title="EntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="EntityDomain" xlink:title="definition: LegalEntityAxis to EntityDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="ParentCompanyMember" xlink:title="ParentCompanyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="ParentCompanyMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails4">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameAxis" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameAxis" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:title="EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to EmployeeStockOptionMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_2" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars00.00To10.00Member" xlink:label="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars00.00To10.00Member" xlink:title="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars00.00To10.00Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars00.00To10.00Member" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars00.00To10.00Member" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars10.01To15.00Member" xlink:label="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars10.01To15.00Member" xlink:title="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars10.01To15.00Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars10.01To15.00Member" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars10.01To15.00Member" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars15.01To20.00Member" xlink:label="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars15.01To20.00Member" xlink:title="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars15.01To20.00Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars15.01To20.00Member" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars15.01To20.00Member" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars20.01To25.00Member" xlink:label="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars20.01To25.00Member" xlink:title="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars20.01To25.00Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars20.01To25.00Member" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars20.01To25.00Member" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars25.01To30.00Member" xlink:label="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars25.01To30.00Member" xlink:title="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars25.01To30.00Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars25.01To30.00Member" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars25.01To30.00Member" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars30.01To35.00Member" xlink:label="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars30.01To35.00Member" xlink:title="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars30.01To35.00Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars30.01To35.00Member" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars30.01To35.00Member" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars35.01To40.00Member" xlink:label="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars35.01To40.00Member" xlink:title="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars35.01To40.00Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars35.01To40.00Member" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars35.01To40.00Member" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars00.00To40.00Member" xlink:label="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars00.00To40.00Member" xlink:title="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars00.00To40.00Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars00.00To40.00Member" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain to RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars00.00To40.00Member" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems to SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="MinimumMember" xlink:title="MinimumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MinimumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MinimumMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable to BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_MoveNetworksMember" xlink:label="MoveNetworksMember" xlink:title="MoveNetworksMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="MoveNetworksMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to MoveNetworksMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_HughesCommunicationsMember" xlink:label="HughesCommunicationsMember" xlink:title="HughesCommunicationsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="HughesCommunicationsMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to HughesCommunicationsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable to DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentAxis to DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SeniorSecuredNotes6.50PercentDue2019Member" xlink:label="SeniorSecuredNotes6.50PercentDue2019Member" xlink:title="SeniorSecuredNotes6.50PercentDue2019Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="SeniorSecuredNotes6.50PercentDue2019Member" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to SeniorSecuredNotes6.50PercentDue2019Member" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SeniorNotes7.625PercentDue2021Member" xlink:label="SeniorNotes7.625PercentDue2021Member" xlink:title="SeniorNotes7.625PercentDue2021Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="SeniorNotes7.625PercentDue2021Member" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to SeniorNotes7.625PercentDue2021Member" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SeniorNotes9.5PercentDue2014Member" xlink:label="SeniorNotes9.5PercentDue2014Member" xlink:title="SeniorNotes9.5PercentDue2014Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="SeniorNotes9.5PercentDue2014Member" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to SeniorNotes9.5PercentDue2014Member" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashToBePaidPerShareAsPerMergerAgreement" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashToBePaidPerShareAsPerMergerAgreement" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashToBePaidPerShareAsPerMergerAgreement" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashToBePaidPerShareAsPerMergerAgreement" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashToBePaidPerShareAsPerMergerAgreement" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsCashAndCashEquivalents" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract to BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsCashAndCashEquivalents" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsMarketableSecurities" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsMarketableSecurities" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsMarketableSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsMarketableSecurities" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract to BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsMarketableSecurities" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract to BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract to BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAmortizableIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAmortizableIntangibleAssets" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAmortizableIntangibleAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAmortizableIntangibleAssets" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract to BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAmortizableIntangibleAssets" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillAmount" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillAmount" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillAmount" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract to BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillAmount" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationFCCAuthorizations" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationFCCAuthorizations" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationFCCAuthorizations" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationFCCAuthorizations" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract to BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationFCCAuthorizations" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherNoncurrentAssets" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherNoncurrentAssets" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherNoncurrentAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherNoncurrentAssets" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract to BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherNoncurrentAssets" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentLiabilities" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentLiabilities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentLiabilities" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract to BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentLiabilities" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationDeferredTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationDeferredTaxLiabilities" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationDeferredTaxLiabilities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationDeferredTaxLiabilities" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract to BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationDeferredTaxLiabilities" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNoncurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNoncurrentLiabilities" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNoncurrentLiabilities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNoncurrentLiabilities" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract to BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNoncurrentLiabilities" use="optional" order="11.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract to BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNoncontrollingInterest" use="optional" order="12.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumedNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract to BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumedNet" use="optional" order="13.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationInProcessResearchAndDevelopment" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationInProcessResearchAndDevelopment" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationInProcessResearchAndDevelopment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationInProcessResearchAndDevelopment" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract to BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationInProcessResearchAndDevelopment" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsReceivables" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsReceivables" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsReceivables" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsReceivables" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract to BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsReceivables" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherCurrentAssetsLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherCurrentAssetsLiabilitiesNet" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherCurrentAssetsLiabilitiesNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherCurrentAssetsLiabilitiesNet" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract to BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherCurrentAssetsLiabilitiesNet" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedAndCompensationCosts" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedAndCompensationCosts" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedAndCompensationCosts" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedAndCompensationCosts" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAbstract to BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedAndCompensationCosts" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:title="AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract to BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract to BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract to BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract to BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LiabilityPayableDueToChangeOfControlBonusesAndRetentionBonuses" xlink:label="LiabilityPayableDueToChangeOfControlBonusesAndRetentionBonuses" xlink:title="LiabilityPayableDueToChangeOfControlBonusesAndRetentionBonuses" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="LiabilityPayableDueToChangeOfControlBonusesAndRetentionBonuses" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to LiabilityPayableDueToChangeOfControlBonusesAndRetentionBonuses" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_PortionOfLiabilityAccruedDueToChangeOfControlBonusesAndRretentionBonuses" xlink:label="PortionOfLiabilityAccruedDueToChangeOfControlBonusesAndRretentionBonuses" xlink:title="PortionOfLiabilityAccruedDueToChangeOfControlBonusesAndRretentionBonuses" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="PortionOfLiabilityAccruedDueToChangeOfControlBonusesAndRretentionBonuses" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to PortionOfLiabilityAccruedDueToChangeOfControlBonusesAndRretentionBonuses" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_PeriodOfLiabilityPayableDueToChangeOfControlBonusesAndRetentionBonusesInMonths" xlink:label="PeriodOfLiabilityPayableDueToChangeOfControlBonusesAndRetentionBonusesInMonths" xlink:title="PeriodOfLiabilityPayableDueToChangeOfControlBonusesAndRetentionBonusesInMonths" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="PeriodOfLiabilityPayableDueToChangeOfControlBonusesAndRetentionBonusesInMonths" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to PeriodOfLiabilityPayableDueToChangeOfControlBonusesAndRetentionBonusesInMonths" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_BusinessAcquisitionLoanFacilityToBeAssumedAsPerMergerAgreement" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionLoanFacilityToBeAssumedAsPerMergerAgreement" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionLoanFacilityToBeAssumedAsPerMergerAgreement" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionLoanFacilityToBeAssumedAsPerMergerAgreement" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessAcquisitionLoanFacilityToBeAssumedAsPerMergerAgreement" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashToBePaidPerShareToVestedRestrictedStockAwardsAndRestrictedStockUnitsAsPerMergerAgreement" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashToBePaidPerShareToVestedRestrictedStockAwardsAndRestrictedStockUnitsAsPerMergerAgreement" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashToBePaidPerShareToVestedRestrictedStockAwardsAndRestrictedStockUnitsAsPerMergerAgreement" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashToBePaidPerShareToVestedRestrictedStockAwardsAndRestrictedStockUnitsAsPerMergerAgreement" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashToBePaidPerShareToVestedRestrictedStockAwardsAndRestrictedStockUnitsAsPerMergerAgreement" use="optional" order="8004.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashToBePaidPerShareToUnvestedRestrictedStockAwardsAndRestrictedStockUnitsAsPerMergerAgreement" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashToBePaidPerShareToUnvestedRestrictedStockAwardsAndRestrictedStockUnitsAsPerMergerAgreement" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashToBePaidPerShareToUnvestedRestrictedStockAwardsAndRestrictedStockUnitsAsPerMergerAgreement" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashToBePaidPerShareToUnvestedRestrictedStockAwardsAndRestrictedStockUnitsAsPerMergerAgreement" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashToBePaidPerShareToUnvestedRestrictedStockAwardsAndRestrictedStockUnitsAsPerMergerAgreement" use="optional" order="8005.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_BusinessAcquisitionEscrowForPotentialContingencies" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionEscrowForPotentialContingencies" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionEscrowForPotentialContingencies" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionEscrowForPotentialContingencies" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessAcquisitionEscrowForPotentialContingencies" use="optional" order="8006.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" use="optional" order="8007.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityPurchasePrice" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityPurchasePrice" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityPurchasePrice" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityPurchasePrice" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityPurchasePrice" use="optional" order="8008.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_MaximumLiabilityForTheUnvestedStockOptionsOfAcquiredEntity" xlink:label="MaximumLiabilityForTheUnvestedStockOptionsOfAcquiredEntity" xlink:title="MaximumLiabilityForTheUnvestedStockOptionsOfAcquiredEntity" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="MaximumLiabilityForTheUnvestedStockOptionsOfAcquiredEntity" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to MaximumLiabilityForTheUnvestedStockOptionsOfAcquiredEntity" use="optional" order="8009.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_PortionOfLiabilityAccruedForTheUnvestedStockOtionsOfAcquiredEntity" xlink:label="PortionOfLiabilityAccruedForTheUnvestedStockOtionsOfAcquiredEntity" xlink:title="PortionOfLiabilityAccruedForTheUnvestedStockOtionsOfAcquiredEntity" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="PortionOfLiabilityAccruedForTheUnvestedStockOtionsOfAcquiredEntity" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to PortionOfLiabilityAccruedForTheUnvestedStockOtionsOfAcquiredEntity" use="optional" order="8010.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember_2" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember_2" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="MinimumMember" xlink:title="MinimumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MinimumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MinimumMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="AccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:title="AccountingPoliciesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="AccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:title="AccountingPoliciesTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="AccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="AccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:title="definition: AccountingPoliciesLineItems to AccountingPoliciesTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="AccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: AccountingPoliciesTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueAbstract" xlink:label="CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueAbstract" xlink:title="CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueAbstract" xlink:title="definition: AccountingPoliciesLineItems to CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_OriginalMaturityPeriod" xlink:label="OriginalMaturityPeriod" xlink:title="OriginalMaturityPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueAbstract" xlink:to="OriginalMaturityPeriod" xlink:title="definition: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueAbstract to OriginalMaturityPeriod" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="MarketableSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:title="MarketableSecuritiesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="MarketableSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: AccountingPoliciesLineItems to MarketableSecuritiesAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LengthOfTimeInvestmentBeenInContinuousLossPositionConsideredTemporary" xlink:label="LengthOfTimeInvestmentBeenInContinuousLossPositionConsideredTemporary" xlink:title="LengthOfTimeInvestmentBeenInContinuousLossPositionConsideredTemporary" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MarketableSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="LengthOfTimeInvestmentBeenInContinuousLossPositionConsideredTemporary" xlink:title="definition: MarketableSecuritiesAbstract to LengthOfTimeInvestmentBeenInContinuousLossPositionConsideredTemporary" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LengthOfTimeInvestmentBeenInContinuousLossPositionEvaluatedOnCaseByCaseBasis" xlink:label="LengthOfTimeInvestmentBeenInContinuousLossPositionEvaluatedOnCaseByCaseBasis" xlink:title="LengthOfTimeInvestmentBeenInContinuousLossPositionEvaluatedOnCaseByCaseBasis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MarketableSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="LengthOfTimeInvestmentBeenInContinuousLossPositionEvaluatedOnCaseByCaseBasis" xlink:title="definition: MarketableSecuritiesAbstract to LengthOfTimeInvestmentBeenInContinuousLossPositionEvaluatedOnCaseByCaseBasis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LengthOfTimeInvestmentBeenInContinuousLossPositionToBeConsideredAsOtherThanTemporary" xlink:label="LengthOfTimeInvestmentBeenInContinuousLossPositionToBeConsideredAsOtherThanTemporary" xlink:title="LengthOfTimeInvestmentBeenInContinuousLossPositionToBeConsideredAsOtherThanTemporary" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MarketableSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="LengthOfTimeInvestmentBeenInContinuousLossPositionToBeConsideredAsOtherThanTemporary" xlink:title="definition: MarketableSecuritiesAbstract to LengthOfTimeInvestmentBeenInContinuousLossPositionToBeConsideredAsOtherThanTemporary" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract" xlink:title="definition: AccountingPoliciesLineItems to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionAbstract" xlink:label="RevenueRecognitionAbstract" xlink:title="RevenueRecognitionAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="RevenueRecognitionAbstract" xlink:title="definition: AccountingPoliciesLineItems to RevenueRecognitionAbstract" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ConsumerRentalProgramPeriodOfServiceContract" xlink:label="ConsumerRentalProgramPeriodOfServiceContract" xlink:title="ConsumerRentalProgramPeriodOfServiceContract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RevenueRecognitionAbstract" xlink:to="ConsumerRentalProgramPeriodOfServiceContract" xlink:title="definition: RevenueRecognitionAbstract to ConsumerRentalProgramPeriodOfServiceContract" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_BroadbandStimulusProgramsAwardFromGovernment" xlink:label="BroadbandStimulusProgramsAwardFromGovernment" xlink:title="BroadbandStimulusProgramsAwardFromGovernment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RevenueRecognitionAbstract" xlink:to="BroadbandStimulusProgramsAwardFromGovernment" xlink:title="definition: RevenueRecognitionAbstract to BroadbandStimulusProgramsAwardFromGovernment" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DebtInstrumentIssuanceCostsAbstract" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentIssuanceCostsAbstract" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentIssuanceCostsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentIssuanceCostsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: AccountingPoliciesLineItems to DebtInstrumentIssuanceCostsAbstract" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense" xlink:label="UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense" xlink:title="UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentIssuanceCostsAbstract" xlink:to="UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentIssuanceCostsAbstract to UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SubscriberAcquisitionCostsAbstract" xlink:label="SubscriberAcquisitionCostsAbstract" xlink:title="SubscriberAcquisitionCostsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="SubscriberAcquisitionCostsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: AccountingPoliciesLineItems to SubscriberAcquisitionCostsAbstract" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SubscriberAcquisitionPeriodOfServiceAgreements" xlink:label="SubscriberAcquisitionPeriodOfServiceAgreements" xlink:title="SubscriberAcquisitionPeriodOfServiceAgreements" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SubscriberAcquisitionCostsAbstract" xlink:to="SubscriberAcquisitionPeriodOfServiceAgreements" xlink:title="definition: SubscriberAcquisitionCostsAbstract to SubscriberAcquisitionPeriodOfServiceAgreements" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredSubscriberAcquisitionCostsNoncurrent" xlink:label="DeferredSubscriberAcquisitionCostsNoncurrent" xlink:title="DeferredSubscriberAcquisitionCostsNoncurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SubscriberAcquisitionCostsAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredSubscriberAcquisitionCostsNoncurrent" xlink:title="definition: SubscriberAcquisitionCostsAbstract to DeferredSubscriberAcquisitionCostsNoncurrent" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsTables">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable to BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_MoveNetworksMember" xlink:label="MoveNetworksMember" xlink:title="MoveNetworksMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="MoveNetworksMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to MoveNetworksMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_HughesCommunicationsMember" xlink:label="HughesCommunicationsMember" xlink:title="HughesCommunicationsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="HughesCommunicationsMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to HughesCommunicationsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPurchasePriceAllocationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="ScheduleOfPurchasePriceAllocationTableTextBlock" xlink:title="ScheduleOfPurchasePriceAllocationTableTextBlock" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfPurchasePriceAllocationTableTextBlock" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to ScheduleOfPurchasePriceAllocationTableTextBlock" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock" use="optional" order="3.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndBusinessActivitiesDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable to BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_HughesCommunicationsMember" xlink:label="HughesCommunicationsMember" xlink:title="HughesCommunicationsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="HughesCommunicationsMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to HughesCommunicationsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable to DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentAxis to DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SeniorSecuredNotes6.50PercentDue2019Member" xlink:label="SeniorSecuredNotes6.50PercentDue2019Member" xlink:title="SeniorSecuredNotes6.50PercentDue2019Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="SeniorSecuredNotes6.50PercentDue2019Member" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to SeniorSecuredNotes6.50PercentDue2019Member" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SeniorNotes7.625PercentDue2021Member" xlink:label="SeniorNotes7.625PercentDue2021Member" xlink:title="SeniorNotes7.625PercentDue2021Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="SeniorNotes7.625PercentDue2021Member" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to SeniorNotes7.625PercentDue2021Member" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashToBePaidPerUnvestedShareAsPerMergerAgreement" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashToBePaidPerUnvestedShareAsPerMergerAgreement" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashToBePaidPerUnvestedShareAsPerMergerAgreement" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashToBePaidPerUnvestedShareAsPerMergerAgreement" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionLineItems to BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashToBePaidPerUnvestedShareAsPerMergerAgreement" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_HughesCommunicationsMember" xlink:label="HughesCommunicationsMember" xlink:title="HughesCommunicationsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="HughesCommunicationsMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to HughesCommunicationsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_TroppusAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="TroppusAcquisitionMember" xlink:title="TroppusAcquisitionMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="TroppusAcquisitionMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to TroppusAcquisitionMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="GoodwillLineItems" xlink:title="GoodwillLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="GoodwillLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:title="definition: GoodwillLineItems to ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfGoodwillTable to BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" xlink:label="GoodwillRollForward" xlink:title="GoodwillRollForward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="GoodwillLineItems" xlink:to="GoodwillRollForward" xlink:title="definition: GoodwillLineItems to GoodwillRollForward" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" xlink:label="GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" xlink:title="GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="GoodwillRollForward" xlink:to="GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" xlink:title="definition: GoodwillRollForward to GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" use="optional" order="1.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureDebtDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="EntityDomain" xlink:title="EntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="EntityDomain" xlink:title="definition: LegalEntityAxis to EntityDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="EntityDomain_2" xlink:title="EntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="EntityDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: LegalEntityAxis to EntityDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="SubsidiariesMember" xlink:title="SubsidiariesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="SubsidiariesMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to SubsidiariesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentAxis to DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentAxis to DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_MortgageAndOtherNotesPayableMember" xlink:label="MortgageAndOtherNotesPayableMember" xlink:title="MortgageAndOtherNotesPayableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="MortgageAndOtherNotesPayableMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to MortgageAndOtherNotesPayableMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SeniorSecuredNotesAndSeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="SeniorSecuredNotesAndSeniorNotesMember" xlink:title="SeniorSecuredNotesAndSeniorNotesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="SeniorSecuredNotesAndSeniorNotesMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to SeniorSecuredNotesAndSeniorNotesMember" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SeniorSecuredNotes6.50PercentDue2019Member" xlink:label="SeniorSecuredNotes6.50PercentDue2019Member" xlink:title="SeniorSecuredNotes6.50PercentDue2019Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SeniorSecuredNotesAndSeniorNotesMember" xlink:to="SeniorSecuredNotes6.50PercentDue2019Member" xlink:title="definition: SeniorSecuredNotesAndSeniorNotesMember to SeniorSecuredNotes6.50PercentDue2019Member" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SeniorNotes7.625PercentDue2021Member" xlink:label="SeniorNotes7.625PercentDue2021Member" xlink:title="SeniorNotes7.625PercentDue2021Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SeniorSecuredNotesAndSeniorNotesMember" xlink:to="SeniorNotes7.625PercentDue2021Member" xlink:title="definition: SeniorSecuredNotesAndSeniorNotesMember to SeniorNotes7.625PercentDue2021Member" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentTable to DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentTable to LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:title="LongTermDebtFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LongTermDebtFairValue" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="CapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:title="CapitalLeaseObligations" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="CapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to CapitalLeaseObligations" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:title="DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LongTermDebtIssuePriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" xlink:label="LongTermDebtIssuePriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" xlink:title="LongTermDebtIssuePriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LongTermDebtIssuePriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LongTermDebtIssuePriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LongTermDebtRedemptionPriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" xlink:label="LongTermDebtRedemptionPriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" xlink:title="LongTermDebtRedemptionPriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LongTermDebtRedemptionPriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LongTermDebtRedemptionPriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LongTermDebtRedemptionPriorToJune152014WithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" xlink:label="LongTermDebtRedemptionPriorToJune152014WithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" xlink:title="LongTermDebtRedemptionPriorToJune152014WithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LongTermDebtRedemptionPriorToJune152014WithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LongTermDebtRedemptionPriorToJune152014WithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LongTermDebtRedemptionPriorToJune152014PriceWithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" xlink:label="LongTermDebtRedemptionPriorToJune152014PriceWithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" xlink:title="LongTermDebtRedemptionPriorToJune152014PriceWithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LongTermDebtRedemptionPriorToJune152014PriceWithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LongTermDebtRedemptionPriorToJune152014PriceWithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LongTermDebtRedemptionPriorToJune152015WithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" xlink:label="LongTermDebtRedemptionPriorToJune152015WithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" xlink:title="LongTermDebtRedemptionPriorToJune152015WithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LongTermDebtRedemptionPriorToJune152015WithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LongTermDebtRedemptionPriorToJune152015WithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" use="optional" order="8004.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LongTermDebtRedemptionPriorToJune152015PriceWithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" xlink:label="LongTermDebtRedemptionPriorToJune152015PriceWithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" xlink:title="LongTermDebtRedemptionPriorToJune152015PriceWithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LongTermDebtRedemptionPriorToJune152015PriceWithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LongTermDebtRedemptionPriorToJune152015PriceWithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount" use="optional" order="8005.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DebtRepurchasePricePercentageInEventOfChangeOfControl" xlink:label="DebtRepurchasePricePercentageInEventOfChangeOfControl" xlink:title="DebtRepurchasePricePercentageInEventOfChangeOfControl" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtRepurchasePricePercentageInEventOfChangeOfControl" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtRepurchasePricePercentageInEventOfChangeOfControl" use="optional" order="8006.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_PercentageOfNotesTenderedForExchange" xlink:label="PercentageOfNotesTenderedForExchange" xlink:title="PercentageOfNotesTenderedForExchange" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfNotesTenderedForExchange" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to PercentageOfNotesTenderedForExchange" use="optional" order="8007.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest" use="optional" order="8008.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesDetails5">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="EntityDomain" xlink:title="EntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="EntityDomain" xlink:title="definition: LegalEntityAxis to EntityDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_TerreStarCorporationAndTerreStarNetworkIncMember" xlink:label="TerreStarCorporationAndTerreStarNetworkIncMember" xlink:title="TerreStarCorporationAndTerreStarNetworkIncMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="TerreStarCorporationAndTerreStarNetworkIncMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to TerreStarCorporationAndTerreStarNetworkIncMember" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_TerreStarCorporationMember" xlink:label="TerreStarCorporationMember" xlink:title="TerreStarCorporationMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="TerreStarCorporationMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to TerreStarCorporationMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_TerreStarNetworkIncMember" xlink:label="TerreStarNetworkIncMember" xlink:title="TerreStarNetworkIncMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="TerreStarNetworkIncMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to TerreStarNetworkIncMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_GammaAcquisitionLLCMember" xlink:label="GammaAcquisitionLLCMember" xlink:title="GammaAcquisitionLLCMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="GammaAcquisitionLLCMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to GammaAcquisitionLLCMember" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentAxis to DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SeniorSecuredPaidInKindNotes15PercentDue2014Member" xlink:label="SeniorSecuredPaidInKindNotes15PercentDue2014Member" xlink:title="SeniorSecuredPaidInKindNotes15PercentDue2014Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="SeniorSecuredPaidInKindNotes15PercentDue2014Member" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to SeniorSecuredPaidInKindNotes15PercentDue2014Member" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_February2008SecuredFinancingCommitmentMember" xlink:label="February2008SecuredFinancingCommitmentMember" xlink:title="February2008SecuredFinancingCommitmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="February2008SecuredFinancingCommitmentMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to February2008SecuredFinancingCommitmentMember" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DebtorInPossessionCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="DebtorInPossessionCreditFacilityMember" xlink:title="DebtorInPossessionCreditFacilityMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="DebtorInPossessionCreditFacilityMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to DebtorInPossessionCreditFacilityMember" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SeniorExchangeablePaidInKind6.50NotesDue2014Member" xlink:label="SeniorExchangeablePaidInKind6.50NotesDue2014Member" xlink:title="SeniorExchangeablePaidInKind6.50NotesDue2014Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="SeniorExchangeablePaidInKind6.50NotesDue2014Member" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to SeniorExchangeablePaidInKind6.50NotesDue2014Member" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_CreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="CreditFacilityMember" xlink:title="CreditFacilityMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="CreditFacilityMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to CreditFacilityMember" order="8004.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="LineOfCreditMember" xlink:title="LineOfCreditMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="LineOfCreditMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to LineOfCreditMember" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable to LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable to DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:label="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:title="TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable to TypeOfArrangementAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:title="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:title="definition: TypeOfArrangementAxis to ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AssetPurchaseAgreementTerreStarMember" xlink:label="AssetPurchaseAgreementTerreStarMember" xlink:title="AssetPurchaseAgreementTerreStarMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="AssetPurchaseAgreementTerreStarMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to AssetPurchaseAgreementTerreStarMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireNotesReceivable" xlink:label="PaymentsToAcquireNotesReceivable" xlink:title="PaymentsToAcquireNotesReceivable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="PaymentsToAcquireNotesReceivable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to PaymentsToAcquireNotesReceivable" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfBoardMembersEntityMayAppointUnderMasterInvestmentAgreement" xlink:label="NumberOfBoardMembersEntityMayAppointUnderMasterInvestmentAgreement" xlink:title="NumberOfBoardMembersEntityMayAppointUnderMasterInvestmentAgreement" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfBoardMembersEntityMayAppointUnderMasterInvestmentAgreement" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to NumberOfBoardMembersEntityMayAppointUnderMasterInvestmentAgreement" use="optional" order="8010.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_FrequencyOfSpectrumAcquired" xlink:label="FrequencyOfSpectrumAcquired" xlink:title="FrequencyOfSpectrumAcquired" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="FrequencyOfSpectrumAcquired" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to FrequencyOfSpectrumAcquired" use="optional" order="8011.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SharesOfCommonStockIssuedToAcquireSpectrum" xlink:label="SharesOfCommonStockIssuedToAcquireSpectrum" xlink:title="SharesOfCommonStockIssuedToAcquireSpectrum" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="SharesOfCommonStockIssuedToAcquireSpectrum" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to SharesOfCommonStockIssuedToAcquireSpectrum" use="optional" order="8012.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_CommitmentUnderCreditAgreement" xlink:label="CommitmentUnderCreditAgreement" xlink:title="CommitmentUnderCreditAgreement" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="CommitmentUnderCreditAgreement" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to CommitmentUnderCreditAgreement" use="optional" order="8013.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount" xlink:label="InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount" xlink:title="InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount" use="optional" order="8008.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" use="optional" order="8016.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_UnrealizedGainsLossesOnInvestmentsAccountedForAtFairValueNet" xlink:label="UnrealizedGainsLossesOnInvestmentsAccountedForAtFairValueNet" xlink:title="UnrealizedGainsLossesOnInvestmentsAccountedForAtFairValueNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="UnrealizedGainsLossesOnInvestmentsAccountedForAtFairValueNet" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to UnrealizedGainsLossesOnInvestmentsAccountedForAtFairValueNet" use="optional" order="8017.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionCosts" xlink:label="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionCosts" xlink:title="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionCosts" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionCosts" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionCosts" use="optional" order="8014.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsAcquisitionCostsOrSaleProceeds" xlink:label="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsAcquisitionCostsOrSaleProceeds" xlink:title="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsAcquisitionCostsOrSaleProceeds" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsAcquisitionCostsOrSaleProceeds" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsAcquisitionCostsOrSaleProceeds" use="optional" order="8015.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_PeriodOfInvestment" xlink:label="PeriodOfInvestment" xlink:title="PeriodOfInvestment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="PeriodOfInvestment" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to PeriodOfInvestment" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ApproximateDecreaseInFairValueOfDebtInvestmentsDueToHypotheticalAdverseChange" xlink:label="ApproximateDecreaseInFairValueOfDebtInvestmentsDueToHypotheticalAdverseChange" xlink:title="ApproximateDecreaseInFairValueOfDebtInvestmentsDueToHypotheticalAdverseChange" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="ApproximateDecreaseInFairValueOfDebtInvestmentsDueToHypotheticalAdverseChange" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to ApproximateDecreaseInFairValueOfDebtInvestmentsDueToHypotheticalAdverseChange" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue" xlink:label="InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue" xlink:title="InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AmountOwedToEntityUnderTermsOfCreditAgreement" xlink:label="AmountOwedToEntityUnderTermsOfCreditAgreement" xlink:title="AmountOwedToEntityUnderTermsOfCreditAgreement" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AmountOwedToEntityUnderTermsOfCreditAgreement" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AmountOwedToEntityUnderTermsOfCreditAgreement" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AmountFundedToDebtorsUnderCreditFacility" xlink:label="AmountFundedToDebtorsUnderCreditFacility" xlink:title="AmountFundedToDebtorsUnderCreditFacility" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AmountFundedToDebtorsUnderCreditFacility" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AmountFundedToDebtorsUnderCreditFacility" use="optional" order="8004.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_PercentageOfHypotheticalAdverseChangeInPriceOfDebtInstruments" xlink:label="PercentageOfHypotheticalAdverseChangeInPriceOfDebtInstruments" xlink:title="PercentageOfHypotheticalAdverseChangeInPriceOfDebtInstruments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfHypotheticalAdverseChangeInPriceOfDebtInstruments" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to PercentageOfHypotheticalAdverseChangeInPriceOfDebtInstruments" use="optional" order="8005.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" xlink:label="AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" xlink:title="AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" use="optional" order="8006.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_StatementsOfOperationsDataAbstract" xlink:label="StatementsOfOperationsDataAbstract" xlink:title="StatementsOfOperationsDataAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="StatementsOfOperationsDataAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to StatementsOfOperationsDataAbstract" use="optional" order="8007.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="Revenues" xlink:title="Revenues" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementsOfOperationsDataAbstract" xlink:to="Revenues" xlink:title="definition: StatementsOfOperationsDataAbstract to Revenues" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="OperatingExpenses" xlink:title="OperatingExpenses" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementsOfOperationsDataAbstract" xlink:to="OperatingExpenses" xlink:title="definition: StatementsOfOperationsDataAbstract to OperatingExpenses" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations" xlink:label="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations" xlink:title="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementsOfOperationsDataAbstract" xlink:to="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations" xlink:title="definition: StatementsOfOperationsDataAbstract to IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:title="GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" order="8009.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentAxis to DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SeniorSecuredNotes6.50PercentDue2019Member" xlink:label="SeniorSecuredNotes6.50PercentDue2019Member" xlink:title="SeniorSecuredNotes6.50PercentDue2019Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="SeniorSecuredNotes6.50PercentDue2019Member" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to SeniorSecuredNotes6.50PercentDue2019Member" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SeniorNotes7.625PercentDue2021Member" xlink:label="SeniorNotes7.625PercentDue2021Member" xlink:title="SeniorNotes7.625PercentDue2021Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="SeniorNotes7.625PercentDue2021Member" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to SeniorNotes7.625PercentDue2021Member" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:title="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable to StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="SegmentDomain" xlink:title="SegmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="SegmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis to SegmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="SegmentDomain_2" xlink:title="SegmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="SegmentDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis to SegmentDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DigitalSetTopBoxBusinessMember" xlink:label="DigitalSetTopBoxBusinessMember" xlink:title="DigitalSetTopBoxBusinessMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentDomain" xlink:to="DigitalSetTopBoxBusinessMember" xlink:title="definition: SegmentDomain to DigitalSetTopBoxBusinessMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SatelliteServicesBusinessMember" xlink:label="SatelliteServicesBusinessMember" xlink:title="SatelliteServicesBusinessMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentDomain" xlink:to="SatelliteServicesBusinessMember" xlink:title="definition: SegmentDomain to SatelliteServicesBusinessMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember" xlink:label="AllOtherSegmentsMember" xlink:title="AllOtherSegmentsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentDomain" xlink:to="AllOtherSegmentsMember" xlink:title="definition: SegmentDomain to AllOtherSegmentsMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:label="IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:title="IntersegmentEliminationMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentDomain" xlink:to="IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:title="definition: SegmentDomain to IntersegmentEliminationMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_HughesBusinessSegmentMember" xlink:label="HughesBusinessSegmentMember" xlink:title="HughesBusinessSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentDomain" xlink:to="HughesBusinessSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: SegmentDomain to HughesBusinessSegmentMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarTechnologiesBusinessMember" xlink:label="EchoStarTechnologiesBusinessMember" xlink:title="EchoStarTechnologiesBusinessMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentDomain" xlink:to="EchoStarTechnologiesBusinessMember" xlink:title="definition: SegmentDomain to EchoStarTechnologiesBusinessMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable to DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfOwnedAndLeasedInOrbitSatellites" xlink:label="NumberOfOwnedAndLeasedInOrbitSatellites" xlink:title="NumberOfOwnedAndLeasedInOrbitSatellites" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfOwnedAndLeasedInOrbitSatellites" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to NumberOfOwnedAndLeasedInOrbitSatellites" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet" xlink:label="SalesRevenueNet" xlink:title="SalesRevenueNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="SalesRevenueNet" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to SalesRevenueNet" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EarningsBeforeInterestTaxDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="EarningsBeforeInterestTaxDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:title="EarningsBeforeInterestTaxDepreciationAndAmortization" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="EarningsBeforeInterestTaxDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to EarningsBeforeInterestTaxDepreciationAndAmortization" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:label="InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:title="InterestExpenseDebt" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to InterestExpenseDebt" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:title="DepreciationAndAmortization" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to DepreciationAndAmortization" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:title="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfOwnedAndLeasedInOrbitSatellitesUsedByReportableSegment" xlink:label="NumberOfOwnedAndLeasedInOrbitSatellitesUsedByReportableSegment" xlink:title="NumberOfOwnedAndLeasedInOrbitSatellitesUsedByReportableSegment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfOwnedAndLeasedInOrbitSatellitesUsedByReportableSegment" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to NumberOfOwnedAndLeasedInOrbitSatellitesUsedByReportableSegment" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:label="InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:title="InvestmentIncomeInterest" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to InvestmentIncomeInterest" order="5.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureDebtDetails3">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentAxis to DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SatellitesFinancedUnderCapitalLeaseObligationsMember" xlink:label="SatellitesFinancedUnderCapitalLeaseObligationsMember" xlink:title="SatellitesFinancedUnderCapitalLeaseObligationsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="SatellitesFinancedUnderCapitalLeaseObligationsMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to SatellitesFinancedUnderCapitalLeaseObligationsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_OtherEquipmentFinancedUnderCapitalLeaseObligationMember" xlink:label="OtherEquipmentFinancedUnderCapitalLeaseObligationMember" xlink:title="OtherEquipmentFinancedUnderCapitalLeaseObligationMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="OtherEquipmentFinancedUnderCapitalLeaseObligationMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to OtherEquipmentFinancedUnderCapitalLeaseObligationMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NotePayable8.00PercentForEchoStarIXSatelliteVendorFinancingPayableOver14YearsFromLaunchMember" xlink:label="NotePayable8.00PercentForEchoStarIXSatelliteVendorFinancingPayableOver14YearsFromLaunchMember" xlink:title="NotePayable8.00PercentForEchoStarIXSatelliteVendorFinancingPayableOver14YearsFromLaunchMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="NotePayable8.00PercentForEchoStarIXSatelliteVendorFinancingPayableOver14YearsFromLaunchMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to NotePayable8.00PercentForEchoStarIXSatelliteVendorFinancingPayableOver14YearsFromLaunchMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_MortgagesAndOtherUnsecuredNotesPayableMember" xlink:label="MortgagesAndOtherUnsecuredNotesPayableMember" xlink:title="MortgagesAndOtherUnsecuredNotesPayableMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="MortgagesAndOtherUnsecuredNotesPayableMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to MortgagesAndOtherUnsecuredNotesPayableMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_HughesCommunicationsAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="HughesCommunicationsAcquisitionMember" xlink:title="HughesCommunicationsAcquisitionMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="HughesCommunicationsAcquisitionMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to HughesCommunicationsAcquisitionMember" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember" xlink:label="NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember" xlink:title="NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentTable to DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_OtherDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="OtherDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:title="OtherDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="OtherDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to OtherDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_OtherLongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="OtherLongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:title="OtherLongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="OtherLongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to OtherLongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentTerm" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentTerm" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_OtherDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent" xlink:label="OtherDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent" xlink:title="OtherDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="OtherDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to OtherDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent" order="4.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems" xlink:label="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems" xlink:title="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable" xlink:title="definition: EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems to ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsByReportLineAxis" xlink:label="ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsByReportLineAxis" xlink:title="ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsByReportLineAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable" xlink:to="ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsByReportLineAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable to ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsByReportLineAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsReportLineDomain" xlink:label="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsReportLineDomain" xlink:title="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsReportLineDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsByReportLineAxis" xlink:to="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsReportLineDomain" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsByReportLineAxis to EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsReportLineDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:usable="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsReportLineDomain" xlink:label="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsReportLineDomain_2" xlink:title="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsReportLineDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsByReportLineAxis" xlink:to="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsReportLineDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsByReportLineAxis to EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsReportLineDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember" xlink:label="ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember" xlink:title="ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsReportLineDomain" xlink:to="ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember" xlink:title="definition: EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsReportLineDomain to ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:label="SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:title="SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsReportLineDomain" xlink:to="SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:title="definition: EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsReportLineDomain to SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:title="AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems" xlink:to="AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:title="definition: EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems to AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" use="optional" order="2.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityDeficitDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:label="EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:title="EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:label="ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:title="ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:title="definition: EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems to ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockAxis" xlink:label="EquityClassOfTreasuryStockAxis" xlink:title="EquityClassOfTreasuryStockAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:to="EquityClassOfTreasuryStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfTreasuryStockTable to EquityClassOfTreasuryStockAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfTreasuryStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfTreasuryStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="EquityClassOfTreasuryStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfTreasuryStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: EquityClassOfTreasuryStockAxis to ClassOfTreasuryStockDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfTreasuryStockDomain_2" xlink:title="ClassOfTreasuryStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="EquityClassOfTreasuryStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfTreasuryStockDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: EquityClassOfTreasuryStockAxis to ClassOfTreasuryStockDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="CommonClassAMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfTreasuryStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfTreasuryStockDomain to CommonClassAMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:label="TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:title="TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:title="definition: EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems to TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:label="TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:title="TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:title="definition: EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems to TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount" xlink:label="StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount" xlink:title="StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount" xlink:title="definition: EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems to StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount" xlink:label="StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount" xlink:title="StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount" xlink:title="definition: EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems to StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount" use="optional" order="5.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems to ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:title="CustomerRelationshipsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain to CustomerRelationshipsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractualRightsMember" xlink:label="ContractualRightsMember" xlink:title="ContractualRightsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="ContractualRightsMember" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain to ContractualRightsMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_TechnologyMember" xlink:label="TechnologyMember" xlink:title="TechnologyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="TechnologyMember" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain to TechnologyMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TrademarksMember" xlink:label="TrademarksMember" xlink:title="TrademarksMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="TrademarksMember" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain to TrademarksMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_FavorableLeasesMember" xlink:label="FavorableLeasesMember" xlink:title="FavorableLeasesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="FavorableLeasesMember" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain to FavorableLeasesMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems to FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets" xlink:title="IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets" xlink:title="definition: FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems to IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="EntityDomain" xlink:title="EntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="EntityDomain" xlink:title="definition: LegalEntityAxis to EntityDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_VigilosLLCMember" xlink:label="VigilosLLCMember" xlink:title="VigilosLLCMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="VigilosLLCMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to VigilosLLCMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:label="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:title="TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:title="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:title="definition: TypeOfArrangementAxis to ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_2" xlink:title="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_2" xlink:title="definition: TypeOfArrangementAxis to ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" use="optional" priority="1" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_TechnologyDevelopmentLicensingMember" xlink:label="TechnologyDevelopmentLicensingMember" xlink:title="TechnologyDevelopmentLicensingMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="TechnologyDevelopmentLicensingMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to TechnologyDevelopmentLicensingMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SettopboxMember" xlink:label="SettopboxMember" xlink:title="SettopboxMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="SettopboxMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to SettopboxMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:title="LossContingenciesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="LossContingenciesTable" xlink:title="LossContingenciesTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="LossContingenciesTable" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to LossContingenciesTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesTable to TypeOfArrangementAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesTable to LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:label="LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:title="LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesTable to LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:title="LossContingencyNatureDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis to LossContingencyNatureDomain" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="LossContingencyNatureDomain_2" xlink:title="LossContingencyNatureDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="LossContingencyNatureDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis to LossContingencyNatureDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_PatentInfringementMember" xlink:label="PatentInfringementMember" xlink:title="PatentInfringementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:to="PatentInfringementMember" xlink:title="definition: LossContingencyNatureDomain to PatentInfringementMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_CaliforniaSubscriberLawsuitMember" xlink:label="CaliforniaSubscriberLawsuitMember" xlink:title="CaliforniaSubscriberLawsuitMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PatentInfringementMember" xlink:to="CaliforniaSubscriberLawsuitMember" xlink:title="definition: PatentInfringementMember to CaliforniaSubscriberLawsuitMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PendingOrThreatenedLitigationMember" xlink:label="PendingOrThreatenedLitigationMember" xlink:title="PendingOrThreatenedLitigationMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:to="PendingOrThreatenedLitigationMember" xlink:title="definition: LossContingencyNatureDomain to PendingOrThreatenedLitigationMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfSubsidiariesAgainstWhichLawsuitFiled" xlink:label="NumberOfSubsidiariesAgainstWhichLawsuitFiled" xlink:title="NumberOfSubsidiariesAgainstWhichLawsuitFiled" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfSubsidiariesAgainstWhichLawsuitFiled" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to NumberOfSubsidiariesAgainstWhichLawsuitFiled" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfPlaintiffs" xlink:label="NumberOfPlaintiffs" xlink:title="NumberOfPlaintiffs" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfPlaintiffs" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to NumberOfPlaintiffs" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LitigationSettlementEstimatedSettlementAndOtherCosts" xlink:label="LitigationSettlementEstimatedSettlementAndOtherCosts" xlink:title="LitigationSettlementEstimatedSettlementAndOtherCosts" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="LitigationSettlementEstimatedSettlementAndOtherCosts" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to LitigationSettlementEstimatedSettlementAndOtherCosts" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfShareholderClassActionLawsuitsFiledAgainstEntity" xlink:label="NumberOfShareholderClassActionLawsuitsFiledAgainstEntity" xlink:title="NumberOfShareholderClassActionLawsuitsFiledAgainstEntity" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfShareholderClassActionLawsuitsFiledAgainstEntity" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to NumberOfShareholderClassActionLawsuitsFiledAgainstEntity" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SettlementNumberOfShareholderClassActionLawsuitsContemplationOfDismissal" xlink:label="SettlementNumberOfShareholderClassActionLawsuitsContemplationOfDismissal" xlink:title="SettlementNumberOfShareholderClassActionLawsuitsContemplationOfDismissal" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="SettlementNumberOfShareholderClassActionLawsuitsContemplationOfDismissal" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to SettlementNumberOfShareholderClassActionLawsuitsContemplationOfDismissal" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LossContingencyDisablementProvision" xlink:label="LossContingencyDisablementProvision" xlink:title="LossContingencyDisablementProvision" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="LossContingencyDisablementProvision" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to LossContingencyDisablementProvision" use="optional" order="8004.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LitigationSettlementTotalAmountToBePaidByEchostarThroughSixAnnualInstallments" xlink:label="LitigationSettlementTotalAmountToBePaidByEchostarThroughSixAnnualInstallments" xlink:title="LitigationSettlementTotalAmountToBePaidByEchostarThroughSixAnnualInstallments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="LitigationSettlementTotalAmountToBePaidByEchostarThroughSixAnnualInstallments" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to LitigationSettlementTotalAmountToBePaidByEchostarThroughSixAnnualInstallments" use="optional" order="8009.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidPriorYears" xlink:label="LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidPriorYears" xlink:title="LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidPriorYears" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidPriorYears" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidPriorYears" use="optional" order="8012.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidPrepayment" xlink:label="LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidPrepayment" xlink:title="LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidPrepayment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidPrepayment" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidPrepayment" use="optional" order="8013.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfInternationalCustomersToWhomLicenseGranted" xlink:label="NumberOfInternationalCustomersToWhomLicenseGranted" xlink:title="NumberOfInternationalCustomersToWhomLicenseGranted" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfInternationalCustomersToWhomLicenseGranted" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to NumberOfInternationalCustomersToWhomLicenseGranted" use="optional" order="8014.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LossContingencyTermsAbstract" xlink:label="LossContingencyTermsAbstract" xlink:title="LossContingencyTermsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="LossContingencyTermsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to LossContingencyTermsAbstract" use="optional" order="8015.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LossContingencyNumberOfSetTopBoxesNotDisabled" xlink:label="LossContingencyNumberOfSetTopBoxesNotDisabled" xlink:title="LossContingencyNumberOfSetTopBoxesNotDisabled" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingencyTermsAbstract" xlink:to="LossContingencyNumberOfSetTopBoxesNotDisabled" xlink:title="definition: LossContingencyTermsAbstract to LossContingencyNumberOfSetTopBoxesNotDisabled" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable to ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_2" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDemandObligationMember" xlink:label="VariableRateDemandObligationMember" xlink:title="VariableRateDemandObligationMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="VariableRateDemandObligationMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to VariableRateDemandObligationMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_StrategicMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="StrategicMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="StrategicMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="StrategicMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to StrategicMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="OtherDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="OtherDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="OtherDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to OtherDebtSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:title="InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRestrictedNoncurrent" xlink:label="MarketableSecuritiesRestrictedNoncurrent" xlink:title="MarketableSecuritiesRestrictedNoncurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="MarketableSecuritiesRestrictedNoncurrent" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract to MarketableSecuritiesRestrictedNoncurrent" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecurities" xlink:label="MarketableSecurities" xlink:title="MarketableSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="MarketableSecurities" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract to MarketableSecurities" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:title="RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract to RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" use="optional" order="4.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable to ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDemandObligationMember" xlink:label="VariableRateDemandObligationMember" xlink:title="VariableRateDemandObligationMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="VariableRateDemandObligationMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to VariableRateDemandObligationMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_OtherDebtSecuritiesNonrestrictedAndRestrictedMember" xlink:label="OtherDebtSecuritiesNonrestrictedAndRestrictedMember" xlink:title="OtherDebtSecuritiesNonrestrictedAndRestrictedMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="OtherDebtSecuritiesNonrestrictedAndRestrictedMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to OtherDebtSecuritiesNonrestrictedAndRestrictedMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="EquitySecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to EquitySecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:title="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract to AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecurities" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecurities" xlink:label="MarketableSecurities" xlink:title="MarketableSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="MarketableSecurities" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to MarketableSecurities" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLossAbstract" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLossAbstract" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLossAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLossAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLossAbstract" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLoss" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLossAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLossAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLoss" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLossAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLossAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain" xlink:label="AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain" xlink:title="AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLossAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLossAbstract to AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAbstract" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAbstract" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAbstract" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesCurrent" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent" use="optional" order="2.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesDetails3">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable to ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="EquitySecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to EquitySecuritiesMember" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="DebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to DebtSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanSixMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanSixMonthsFairValue" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanSixMonthsFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanSixMonthsFairValue" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanSixMonthsFairValue" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionSixToNineMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionSixToNineMonthsFairValue" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionSixToNineMonthsFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionSixToNineMonthsFairValue" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionSixToNineMonthsFairValue" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionNineMonthsOrMoreFairValue" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionNineMonthsOrMoreFairValue" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionNineMonthsOrMoreFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionNineMonthsOrMoreFairValue" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionNineMonthsOrMoreFairValue" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrMoreFairValue" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrMoreFairValue" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrMoreFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrMoreFairValue" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrMoreFairValue" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanSixMonthsAggregateLosses" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanSixMonthsAggregateLosses" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanSixMonthsAggregateLosses" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanSixMonthsAggregateLosses" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanSixMonthsAggregateLosses" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionSixToNineMonthsAggregateLosses" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionSixToNineMonthsAggregateLosses" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionSixToNineMonthsAggregateLosses" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionSixToNineMonthsAggregateLosses" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionSixToNineMonthsAggregateLosses" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionNineOrMoreMonthsAggregateLosses" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionNineOrMoreMonthsAggregateLosses" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionNineOrMoreMonthsAggregateLosses" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionNineOrMoreMonthsAggregateLosses" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionNineOrMoreMonthsAggregateLosses" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses1" xlink:label="AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses1" xlink:title="AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses1" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract to AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses1" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsAggregateLosses" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsAggregateLosses" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsAggregateLosses" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsAggregateLosses" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsAggregateLosses" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveOrMoreMonthsAggregateLosses" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveOrMoreMonthsAggregateLosses" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveOrMoreMonthsAggregateLosses" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveOrMoreMonthsAggregateLosses" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveOrMoreMonthsAggregateLosses" use="optional" order="2.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="EntityDomain" xlink:title="EntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="EntityDomain" xlink:title="definition: LegalEntityAxis to EntityDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="ParentCompanyMember" xlink:title="ParentCompanyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="ParentCompanyMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to ParentCompanyMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:label="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:title="TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:title="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:title="definition: TypeOfArrangementAxis to ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ReceiverAgreementMember" xlink:label="ReceiverAgreementMember" xlink:title="ReceiverAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="ReceiverAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to ReceiverAgreementMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_BroadcastAgreementMember" xlink:label="BroadcastAgreementMember" xlink:title="BroadcastAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="BroadcastAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to BroadcastAgreementMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_BroadcastAgreementForCertainSportsRelatedProgrammingMember" xlink:label="BroadcastAgreementForCertainSportsRelatedProgrammingMember" xlink:title="BroadcastAgreementForCertainSportsRelatedProgrammingMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="BroadcastAgreementForCertainSportsRelatedProgrammingMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to BroadcastAgreementForCertainSportsRelatedProgrammingMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarXVIMember" xlink:label="EchoStarXVIMember" xlink:title="EchoStarXVIMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="EchoStarXVIMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to EchoStarXVIMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_Nimiq5AgreementMember" xlink:label="Nimiq5AgreementMember" xlink:title="Nimiq5AgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="Nimiq5AgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to Nimiq5AgreementMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DISHTelesatAgreementMember" xlink:label="DISHTelesatAgreementMember" xlink:title="DISHTelesatAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="DISHTelesatAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to DISHTelesatAgreementMember" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_QuetzSat1LeaseAgreementMember" xlink:label="QuetzSat1LeaseAgreementMember" xlink:title="QuetzSat1LeaseAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="QuetzSat1LeaseAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to QuetzSat1LeaseAgreementMember" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_QuetzSat1TransponderAgreementMember" xlink:label="QuetzSat1TransponderAgreementMember" xlink:title="QuetzSat1TransponderAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="QuetzSat1TransponderAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to QuetzSat1TransponderAgreementMember" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_TelemetryTrackingAndControlAgreementMember" xlink:label="TelemetryTrackingAndControlAgreementMember" xlink:title="TelemetryTrackingAndControlAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="TelemetryTrackingAndControlAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to TelemetryTrackingAndControlAgreementMember" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RealEstateLeaseAgreementMember" xlink:label="RealEstateLeaseAgreementMember" xlink:title="RealEstateLeaseAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="RealEstateLeaseAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to RealEstateLeaseAgreementMember" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_InvernessLeaseAgreementMember" xlink:label="InvernessLeaseAgreementMember" xlink:title="InvernessLeaseAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RealEstateLeaseAgreementMember" xlink:to="InvernessLeaseAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: RealEstateLeaseAgreementMember to InvernessLeaseAgreementMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_MeridianLeaseAgreementMember" xlink:label="MeridianLeaseAgreementMember" xlink:title="MeridianLeaseAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="MeridianLeaseAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to MeridianLeaseAgreementMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SantaFeLeaseAgreementMember" xlink:label="SantaFeLeaseAgreementMember" xlink:title="SantaFeLeaseAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="SantaFeLeaseAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to SantaFeLeaseAgreementMember" use="optional" order="11.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_GilbertLeaseAgreementMember" xlink:label="GilbertLeaseAgreementMember" xlink:title="GilbertLeaseAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="GilbertLeaseAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to GilbertLeaseAgreementMember" use="optional" order="12.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ProductSupportAgreementMember" xlink:label="ProductSupportAgreementMember" xlink:title="ProductSupportAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="ProductSupportAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to ProductSupportAgreementMember" use="optional" order="13.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DISHOnline.ComServicesAgreementMember" xlink:label="DISHOnline.ComServicesAgreementMember" xlink:title="DISHOnline.ComServicesAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="DISHOnline.ComServicesAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to DISHOnline.ComServicesAgreementMember" use="optional" order="14.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DISHRemoteAccessServicesAgreementMember" xlink:label="DISHRemoteAccessServicesAgreementMember" xlink:title="DISHRemoteAccessServicesAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="DISHRemoteAccessServicesAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to DISHRemoteAccessServicesAgreementMember" use="optional" order="15.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SlingServiceServicesAgreementMember" xlink:label="SlingServiceServicesAgreementMember" xlink:title="SlingServiceServicesAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="SlingServiceServicesAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to SlingServiceServicesAgreementMember" use="optional" order="16.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ManagementServicesAgreementMember" xlink:label="ManagementServicesAgreementMember" xlink:title="ManagementServicesAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="ManagementServicesAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to ManagementServicesAgreementMember" use="optional" order="18.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ProfessionalServicesAgreementMember" xlink:label="ProfessionalServicesAgreementMember" xlink:title="ProfessionalServicesAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="ProfessionalServicesAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to ProfessionalServicesAgreementMember" use="optional" order="19.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SatelliteServicesLeasedFromDishNetworkMember" xlink:label="SatelliteServicesLeasedFromDishNetworkMember" xlink:title="SatelliteServicesLeasedFromDishNetworkMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="SatelliteServicesLeasedFromDishNetworkMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to SatelliteServicesLeasedFromDishNetworkMember" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RemanufacturedReceiverAgreementMember" xlink:label="RemanufacturedReceiverAgreementMember" xlink:title="RemanufacturedReceiverAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="RemanufacturedReceiverAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to RemanufacturedReceiverAgreementMember" use="optional" order="21.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarXVLaunchServiceMember" xlink:label="EchoStarXVLaunchServiceMember" xlink:title="EchoStarXVLaunchServiceMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="EchoStarXVLaunchServiceMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to EchoStarXVLaunchServiceMember" use="optional" order="22.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_WeatherRelatedProgrammingAgreementMember" xlink:label="WeatherRelatedProgrammingAgreementMember" xlink:title="WeatherRelatedProgrammingAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="WeatherRelatedProgrammingAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to WeatherRelatedProgrammingAgreementMember" use="optional" order="23.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AcquisitionOfAltaWirelessIncPurchaseAgreementMember" xlink:label="AcquisitionOfAltaWirelessIncPurchaseAgreementMember" xlink:title="AcquisitionOfAltaWirelessIncPurchaseAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="AcquisitionOfAltaWirelessIncPurchaseAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to AcquisitionOfAltaWirelessIncPurchaseAgreementMember" use="optional" order="24.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SaleOfSouth.ComLLCMember" xlink:label="SaleOfSouth.ComLLCMember" xlink:title="SaleOfSouth.ComLLCMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="SaleOfSouth.ComLLCMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to SaleOfSouth.ComLLCMember" use="optional" order="27.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_PromissoryNotesMember" xlink:label="PromissoryNotesMember" xlink:title="PromissoryNotesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="PromissoryNotesMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to PromissoryNotesMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ReceiverAgreement2012Member" xlink:label="ReceiverAgreement2012Member" xlink:title="ReceiverAgreement2012Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="ReceiverAgreement2012Member" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to ReceiverAgreement2012Member" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_MoveNetworkServicesAgreementMember" xlink:label="MoveNetworkServicesAgreementMember" xlink:title="MoveNetworkServicesAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="MoveNetworkServicesAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to MoveNetworkServicesAgreementMember" order="17.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_PatentCrossLicenseAgreementsMember" xlink:label="PatentCrossLicenseAgreementsMember" xlink:title="PatentCrossLicenseAgreementsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="PatentCrossLicenseAgreementsMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to PatentCrossLicenseAgreementsMember" order="25.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SprintSettlementAgreementMember" xlink:label="SprintSettlementAgreementMember" xlink:title="SprintSettlementAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="SprintSettlementAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to SprintSettlementAgreementMember" order="26.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_TaxSharingAgreementMember" xlink:label="TaxSharingAgreementMember" xlink:title="TaxSharingAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="TaxSharingAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to TaxSharingAgreementMember" use="optional" order="28.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_TerreStarAgreementMember" xlink:label="TerreStarAgreementMember" xlink:title="TerreStarAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="TerreStarAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to TerreStarAgreementMember" use="optional" order="29.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RUSServiceImplementationAgreementMember" xlink:label="RUSServiceImplementationAgreementMember" xlink:title="RUSServiceImplementationAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="RUSServiceImplementationAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to RUSServiceImplementationAgreementMember" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable to RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:title="RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis to RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="RelatedPartyDomain_2" xlink:title="RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="RelatedPartyDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis to RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:title="AffiliatedEntityMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyDomain to AffiliatedEntityMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DISHNetworkMember" xlink:label="DISHNetworkMember" xlink:title="DISHNetworkMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:to="DISHNetworkMember" xlink:title="definition: AffiliatedEntityMember to DISHNetworkMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_TelesatCanadaMember" xlink:label="TelesatCanadaMember" xlink:title="TelesatCanadaMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:to="TelesatCanadaMember" xlink:title="definition: AffiliatedEntityMember to TelesatCanadaMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_HughesTelematicsIncMember" xlink:label="HughesTelematicsIncMember" xlink:title="HughesTelematicsIncMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:to="HughesTelematicsIncMember" xlink:title="definition: AffiliatedEntityMember to HughesTelematicsIncMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DirectorMember" xlink:label="DirectorMember" xlink:title="DirectorMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="HughesTelematicsIncMember" xlink:to="DirectorMember" xlink:title="definition: HughesTelematicsIncMember to DirectorMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_BlockbusterIncMember" xlink:label="BlockbusterIncMember" xlink:title="BlockbusterIncMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:to="BlockbusterIncMember" xlink:title="definition: AffiliatedEntityMember to BlockbusterIncMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_HughesSystiqueCorporationMember" xlink:label="HughesSystiqueCorporationMember" xlink:title="HughesSystiqueCorporationMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:to="HughesSystiqueCorporationMember" xlink:title="definition: AffiliatedEntityMember to HughesSystiqueCorporationMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NagraStarLLCMember" xlink:label="NagraStarLLCMember" xlink:title="NagraStarLLCMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:to="NagraStarLLCMember" xlink:title="definition: AffiliatedEntityMember to NagraStarLLCMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DishMexicoMember" xlink:label="DishMexicoMember" xlink:title="DishMexicoMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:to="DishMexicoMember" xlink:title="definition: AffiliatedEntityMember to DishMexicoMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_JointVentureInTaiwanMember" xlink:label="JointVentureInTaiwanMember" xlink:title="JointVentureInTaiwanMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:to="JointVentureInTaiwanMember" xlink:title="definition: AffiliatedEntityMember to JointVentureInTaiwanMember" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DISHBroadbandMember" xlink:label="DISHBroadbandMember" xlink:title="DISHBroadbandMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:to="DISHBroadbandMember" xlink:title="definition: AffiliatedEntityMember to DISHBroadbandMember" order="8.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable to TypeOfArrangementAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable to LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:label="LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:title="LitigationCaseAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable to LitigationCaseAxis" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:label="LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:title="LitigationCaseTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:to="LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: LitigationCaseAxis to LitigationCaseTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:label="LitigationCaseTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="LitigationCaseTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:to="LitigationCaseTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: LitigationCaseAxis to LitigationCaseTypeDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_TiVovsDishNetworkAndEchostarCorporationMember" xlink:label="TiVovsDishNetworkAndEchostarCorporationMember" xlink:title="TiVovsDishNetworkAndEchostarCorporationMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:to="TiVovsDishNetworkAndEchostarCorporationMember" xlink:title="definition: LitigationCaseTypeDomain to TiVovsDishNetworkAndEchostarCorporationMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DBSDNorthAmericaAgreementMember" xlink:label="DBSDNorthAmericaAgreementMember" xlink:title="DBSDNorthAmericaAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:to="DBSDNorthAmericaAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: LitigationCaseTypeDomain to DBSDNorthAmericaAgreementMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementTerminationRequiredNoticePeriodFromRelatedPartyMinimum" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementTerminationRequiredNoticePeriodFromRelatedPartyMinimum" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementTerminationRequiredNoticePeriodFromRelatedPartyMinimum" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementTerminationRequiredNoticePeriodFromRelatedPartyMinimum" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementTerminationRequiredNoticePeriodFromRelatedPartyMinimum" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementTerm" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementTerm" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementTerm" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementTerm" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementTerm" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementTermFromCommencementOfServiceDate" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementTermFromCommencementOfServiceDate" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementTermFromCommencementOfServiceDate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementTermFromCommencementOfServiceDate" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementTermFromCommencementOfServiceDate" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionsNumberOfDBSTranspondersAvailable" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsNumberOfDBSTranspondersAvailable" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsNumberOfDBSTranspondersAvailable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsNumberOfDBSTranspondersAvailable" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionsNumberOfDBSTranspondersAvailable" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionsNumberOfDBSTranspondersExpectedToReceiveServicesPerAgreement" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsNumberOfDBSTranspondersExpectedToReceiveServicesPerAgreement" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsNumberOfDBSTranspondersExpectedToReceiveServicesPerAgreement" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsNumberOfDBSTranspondersExpectedToReceiveServicesPerAgreement" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionsNumberOfDBSTranspondersExpectedToReceiveServicesPerAgreement" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionsNumberOfDBSTranspondersReceivingServices" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsNumberOfDBSTranspondersReceivingServices" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsNumberOfDBSTranspondersReceivingServices" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsNumberOfDBSTranspondersReceivingServices" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionsNumberOfDBSTranspondersReceivingServices" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementAutomaticRenewalPeriod" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementAutomaticRenewalPeriod" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementAutomaticRenewalPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementAutomaticRenewalPeriod" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementAutomaticRenewalPeriod" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionsRequiredMinimumNoticePeriodForTerminationOfAgreement" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsRequiredMinimumNoticePeriodForTerminationOfAgreement" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsRequiredMinimumNoticePeriodForTerminationOfAgreement" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsRequiredMinimumNoticePeriodForTerminationOfAgreement" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionsRequiredMinimumNoticePeriodForTerminationOfAgreement" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionsRequiredMinimumNoticePeriodForTerminationOfSpecificService" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsRequiredMinimumNoticePeriodForTerminationOfSpecificService" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsRequiredMinimumNoticePeriodForTerminationOfSpecificService" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsRequiredMinimumNoticePeriodForTerminationOfSpecificService" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionsRequiredMinimumNoticePeriodForTerminationOfSpecificService" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementTerminationNoticeRequiredByReportingEntity" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementTerminationNoticeRequiredByReportingEntity" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementTerminationNoticeRequiredByReportingEntity" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementTerminationNoticeRequiredByReportingEntity" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementTerminationNoticeRequiredByReportingEntity" use="optional" order="11.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementRenewalOptionTerm" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementRenewalOptionTerm" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementRenewalOptionTerm" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementRenewalOptionTerm" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementRenewalOptionTerm" use="optional" order="13.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementMaximumNumberOfOneYearRenewalOptions" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementMaximumNumberOfOneYearRenewalOptions" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementMaximumNumberOfOneYearRenewalOptions" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementMaximumNumberOfOneYearRenewalOptions" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionsAgreementMaximumNumberOfOneYearRenewalOptions" use="optional" order="14.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction" use="optional" order="15.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AmountOfRemanufacturedReceiversAndAccessoriesPurchasedFromRelatedParty" xlink:label="AmountOfRemanufacturedReceiversAndAccessoriesPurchasedFromRelatedParty" xlink:title="AmountOfRemanufacturedReceiversAndAccessoriesPurchasedFromRelatedParty" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="AmountOfRemanufacturedReceiversAndAccessoriesPurchasedFromRelatedParty" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to AmountOfRemanufacturedReceiversAndAccessoriesPurchasedFromRelatedParty" use="optional" order="17.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:title="EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" use="optional" order="18.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AggregatePaymentUnderAgreementLessThan" xlink:label="AggregatePaymentUnderAgreementLessThan" xlink:title="AggregatePaymentUnderAgreementLessThan" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="AggregatePaymentUnderAgreementLessThan" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to AggregatePaymentUnderAgreementLessThan" use="optional" order="19.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AggregateAdditionalPaymentIfOptionToExtendAgreementsIsExercisedLessThan" xlink:label="AggregateAdditionalPaymentIfOptionToExtendAgreementsIsExercisedLessThan" xlink:title="AggregateAdditionalPaymentIfOptionToExtendAgreementsIsExercisedLessThan" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="AggregateAdditionalPaymentIfOptionToExtendAgreementsIsExercisedLessThan" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to AggregateAdditionalPaymentIfOptionToExtendAgreementsIsExercisedLessThan" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_PercentageOwnershipByRelatedParty" xlink:label="PercentageOwnershipByRelatedParty" xlink:title="PercentageOwnershipByRelatedParty" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOwnershipByRelatedParty" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to PercentageOwnershipByRelatedParty" use="optional" order="22.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" use="optional" order="23.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:title="AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent" use="optional" order="24.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount" xlink:label="LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount" xlink:title="LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount" use="optional" order="25.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SalesNotRelatedToContributionCommitmentAssociatedWithInvestmentAbstract" xlink:label="SalesNotRelatedToContributionCommitmentAssociatedWithInvestmentAbstract" xlink:title="SalesNotRelatedToContributionCommitmentAssociatedWithInvestmentAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="SalesNotRelatedToContributionCommitmentAssociatedWithInvestmentAbstract" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to SalesNotRelatedToContributionCommitmentAssociatedWithInvestmentAbstract" use="optional" order="39.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionSalesOfDigitalSetTopBoxesAndRelatedAccessories" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionSalesOfDigitalSetTopBoxesAndRelatedAccessories" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionSalesOfDigitalSetTopBoxesAndRelatedAccessories" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SalesNotRelatedToContributionCommitmentAssociatedWithInvestmentAbstract" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionSalesOfDigitalSetTopBoxesAndRelatedAccessories" xlink:title="definition: SalesNotRelatedToContributionCommitmentAssociatedWithInvestmentAbstract to RelatedPartyTransactionSalesOfDigitalSetTopBoxesAndRelatedAccessories" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionSalesOfSatelliteServices" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionSalesOfSatelliteServices" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionSalesOfSatelliteServices" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SalesNotRelatedToContributionCommitmentAssociatedWithInvestmentAbstract" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionSalesOfSatelliteServices" xlink:title="definition: SalesNotRelatedToContributionCommitmentAssociatedWithInvestmentAbstract to RelatedPartyTransactionSalesOfSatelliteServices" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionSalesOfUplinkServices" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionSalesOfUplinkServices" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionSalesOfUplinkServices" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SalesNotRelatedToContributionCommitmentAssociatedWithInvestmentAbstract" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionSalesOfUplinkServices" xlink:title="definition: SalesNotRelatedToContributionCommitmentAssociatedWithInvestmentAbstract to RelatedPartyTransactionSalesOfUplinkServices" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionSalesOfEngineeringServices" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionSalesOfEngineeringServices" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionSalesOfEngineeringServices" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SalesNotRelatedToContributionCommitmentAssociatedWithInvestmentAbstract" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionSalesOfEngineeringServices" xlink:title="definition: SalesNotRelatedToContributionCommitmentAssociatedWithInvestmentAbstract to RelatedPartyTransactionSalesOfEngineeringServices" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:title="DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SalesNotRelatedToContributionCommitmentAssociatedWithInvestmentAbstract" xlink:to="DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:title="definition: SalesNotRelatedToContributionCommitmentAssociatedWithInvestmentAbstract to DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyJointVentureAbstract" xlink:label="RelatedPartyJointVentureAbstract" xlink:title="RelatedPartyJointVentureAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyJointVentureAbstract" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyJointVentureAbstract" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_CashProvidedToJointVenture" xlink:label="CashProvidedToJointVenture" xlink:title="CashProvidedToJointVenture" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyJointVentureAbstract" xlink:to="CashProvidedToJointVenture" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyJointVentureAbstract to CashProvidedToJointVenture" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LineOfCreditProvidedToJointVenture" xlink:label="LineOfCreditProvidedToJointVenture" xlink:title="LineOfCreditProvidedToJointVenture" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyJointVentureAbstract" xlink:to="LineOfCreditProvidedToJointVenture" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyJointVentureAbstract to LineOfCreditProvidedToJointVenture" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" xlink:label="EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" xlink:title="EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyJointVentureAbstract" xlink:to="EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyJointVentureAbstract to EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LineOfCreditProvidedToJointVentureBalanceOutstanding" xlink:label="LineOfCreditProvidedToJointVentureBalanceOutstanding" xlink:title="LineOfCreditProvidedToJointVentureBalanceOutstanding" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyJointVentureAbstract" xlink:to="LineOfCreditProvidedToJointVentureBalanceOutstanding" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyJointVentureAbstract to LineOfCreditProvidedToJointVentureBalanceOutstanding" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_OwnershipPercentageInJointVentureNotToBeSold" xlink:label="OwnershipPercentageInJointVentureNotToBeSold" xlink:title="OwnershipPercentageInJointVentureNotToBeSold" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyJointVentureAbstract" xlink:to="OwnershipPercentageInJointVentureNotToBeSold" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyJointVentureAbstract to OwnershipPercentageInJointVentureNotToBeSold" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ProceedsFromRightsAssignedUnderContract" xlink:label="ProceedsFromRightsAssignedUnderContract" xlink:title="ProceedsFromRightsAssignedUnderContract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="ProceedsFromRightsAssignedUnderContract" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to ProceedsFromRightsAssignedUnderContract" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_PercentageEquityInterestAcquiredBeforeGivingEffectToEarnOut" xlink:label="PercentageEquityInterestAcquiredBeforeGivingEffectToEarnOut" xlink:title="PercentageEquityInterestAcquiredBeforeGivingEffectToEarnOut" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageEquityInterestAcquiredBeforeGivingEffectToEarnOut" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to PercentageEquityInterestAcquiredBeforeGivingEffectToEarnOut" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_PercentageEquityInterestAcquiredAfterGivingEffectToEarnOut" xlink:label="PercentageEquityInterestAcquiredAfterGivingEffectToEarnOut" xlink:title="PercentageEquityInterestAcquiredAfterGivingEffectToEarnOut" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageEquityInterestAcquiredAfterGivingEffectToEarnOut" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to PercentageEquityInterestAcquiredAfterGivingEffectToEarnOut" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseAdditionalBorrowings" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentIncreaseAdditionalBorrowings" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentIncreaseAdditionalBorrowings" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentIncreaseAdditionalBorrowings" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to DebtInstrumentIncreaseAdditionalBorrowings" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AmountOfRemanufacturedReceiversAndAccessoriesPurchasedFromRelatedPartyLessThan" xlink:label="AmountOfRemanufacturedReceiversAndAccessoriesPurchasedFromRelatedPartyLessThan" xlink:title="AmountOfRemanufacturedReceiversAndAccessoriesPurchasedFromRelatedPartyLessThan" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="AmountOfRemanufacturedReceiversAndAccessoriesPurchasedFromRelatedPartyLessThan" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to AmountOfRemanufacturedReceiversAndAccessoriesPurchasedFromRelatedPartyLessThan" use="optional" order="8004.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionsNumberOfDBSTranspondersExpectedToReceiveServices" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsNumberOfDBSTranspondersExpectedToReceiveServices" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsNumberOfDBSTranspondersExpectedToReceiveServices" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsNumberOfDBSTranspondersExpectedToReceiveServices" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionsNumberOfDBSTranspondersExpectedToReceiveServices" use="optional" order="8005.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionsFairValueOfRights" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsFairValueOfRights" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsFairValueOfRights" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsFairValueOfRights" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionsFairValueOfRights" use="optional" order="8006.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionsRecordedValueOfRights" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsRecordedValueOfRights" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsRecordedValueOfRights" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsRecordedValueOfRights" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionsRecordedValueOfRights" use="optional" order="8007.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionsRightsExcessAmountPaid" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsRightsExcessAmountPaid" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsRightsExcessAmountPaid" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsRightsExcessAmountPaid" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionsRightsExcessAmountPaid" use="optional" order="8008.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionsCashReceived" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsCashReceived" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsCashReceived" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsCashReceived" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionsCashReceived" use="optional" order="8009.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfInvestmentProjects" xlink:label="ProceedsFromSaleOfInvestmentProjects" xlink:title="ProceedsFromSaleOfInvestmentProjects" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="ProceedsFromSaleOfInvestmentProjects" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to ProceedsFromSaleOfInvestmentProjects" use="optional" order="8010.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ProceedsFromSaleOfInvestmentToRelatedParty" xlink:label="ProceedsFromSaleOfInvestmentToRelatedParty" xlink:title="ProceedsFromSaleOfInvestmentToRelatedParty" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="ProceedsFromSaleOfInvestmentToRelatedParty" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to ProceedsFromSaleOfInvestmentToRelatedParty" use="optional" order="8011.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries" xlink:label="PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries" xlink:title="PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries" use="optional" order="8012.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ProceedsFromSaleOfInvestmentByCounterPartyToRelatedParty" xlink:label="ProceedsFromSaleOfInvestmentByCounterPartyToRelatedParty" xlink:title="ProceedsFromSaleOfInvestmentByCounterPartyToRelatedParty" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="ProceedsFromSaleOfInvestmentByCounterPartyToRelatedParty" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to ProceedsFromSaleOfInvestmentByCounterPartyToRelatedParty" use="optional" order="8013.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_RelatedPartyTransactionRevenuesFromTransactionsWithRelatedPartyLessThan" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionRevenuesFromTransactionsWithRelatedPartyLessThan" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionRevenuesFromTransactionsWithRelatedPartyLessThan" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionRevenuesFromTransactionsWithRelatedPartyLessThan" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionRevenuesFromTransactionsWithRelatedPartyLessThan" use="optional" order="8014.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DueFromRelatedPartiesLessThan" xlink:label="DueFromRelatedPartiesLessThan" xlink:title="DueFromRelatedPartiesLessThan" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="DueFromRelatedPartiesLessThan" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to DueFromRelatedPartiesLessThan" use="optional" order="8015.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValuePayments" xlink:label="LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValuePayments" xlink:title="LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValuePayments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValuePayments" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValuePayments" use="optional" order="31.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LossContingencySettlementAgreementConsiderationPercentageToBeMadeByRelatedParty" xlink:label="LossContingencySettlementAgreementConsiderationPercentageToBeMadeByRelatedParty" xlink:title="LossContingencySettlementAgreementConsiderationPercentageToBeMadeByRelatedParty" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="LossContingencySettlementAgreementConsiderationPercentageToBeMadeByRelatedParty" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to LossContingencySettlementAgreementConsiderationPercentageToBeMadeByRelatedParty" use="optional" order="37.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromRelatedParties" xlink:label="DueFromRelatedParties" xlink:title="DueFromRelatedParties" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="DueFromRelatedParties" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to DueFromRelatedParties" use="optional" order="33.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_PaymentsForAcquisitionSettlementAgreement" xlink:label="PaymentsForAcquisitionSettlementAgreement" xlink:title="PaymentsForAcquisitionSettlementAgreement" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="PaymentsForAcquisitionSettlementAgreement" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to PaymentsForAcquisitionSettlementAgreement" order="21.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GrantsReceivable" xlink:label="GrantsReceivable" xlink:title="GrantsReceivable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="GrantsReceivable" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to GrantsReceivable" order="12.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LitigationSettlementIntellectualPropertyLiabilityContribution" xlink:label="LitigationSettlementIntellectualPropertyLiabilityContribution" xlink:title="LitigationSettlementIntellectualPropertyLiabilityContribution" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="LitigationSettlementIntellectualPropertyLiabilityContribution" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to LitigationSettlementIntellectualPropertyLiabilityContribution" order="16.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationSettlementGross" xlink:label="LitigationSettlementGross" xlink:title="LitigationSettlementGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="LitigationSettlementGross" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to LitigationSettlementGross" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LossContingencyEstimatedPercentageOfAnnualPaymentsPayableByEntity" xlink:label="LossContingencyEstimatedPercentageOfAnnualPaymentsPayableByEntity" xlink:title="LossContingencyEstimatedPercentageOfAnnualPaymentsPayableByEntity" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="LossContingencyEstimatedPercentageOfAnnualPaymentsPayableByEntity" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to LossContingencyEstimatedPercentageOfAnnualPaymentsPayableByEntity" order="38.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LossContingencyContributionTowardsSettlementAgreement" xlink:label="LossContingencyContributionTowardsSettlementAgreement" xlink:title="LossContingencyContributionTowardsSettlementAgreement" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="LossContingencyContributionTowardsSettlementAgreement" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to LossContingencyContributionTowardsSettlementAgreement" order="32.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LitigationSettlementInitialPayment" xlink:label="LitigationSettlementInitialPayment" xlink:title="LitigationSettlementInitialPayment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="LitigationSettlementInitialPayment" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to LitigationSettlementInitialPayment" order="34.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LitigationSettlementTotalAmountToBePaidThroughSixAnnualInstallments" xlink:label="LitigationSettlementTotalAmountToBePaidThroughSixAnnualInstallments" xlink:title="LitigationSettlementTotalAmountToBePaidThroughSixAnnualInstallments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="LitigationSettlementTotalAmountToBePaidThroughSixAnnualInstallments" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to LitigationSettlementTotalAmountToBePaidThroughSixAnnualInstallments" order="35.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LitigationSettlementNumberOfAnnualInstallments" xlink:label="LitigationSettlementNumberOfAnnualInstallments" xlink:title="LitigationSettlementNumberOfAnnualInstallments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="LitigationSettlementNumberOfAnnualInstallments" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to LitigationSettlementNumberOfAnnualInstallments" order="36.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesDetails4">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDemandObligationMember" xlink:label="VariableRateDemandObligationMember" xlink:title="VariableRateDemandObligationMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="VariableRateDemandObligationMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to VariableRateDemandObligationMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_OtherDebtSecuritiesNonrestrictedAndRestrictedMember" xlink:label="OtherDebtSecuritiesNonrestrictedAndRestrictedMember" xlink:title="OtherDebtSecuritiesNonrestrictedAndRestrictedMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="OtherDebtSecuritiesNonrestrictedAndRestrictedMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to OtherDebtSecuritiesNonrestrictedAndRestrictedMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="EquitySecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to EquitySecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_MarketableAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesNoncurrentMember" xlink:label="MarketableAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesNoncurrentMember" xlink:title="MarketableAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesNoncurrentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MarketableAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesNoncurrentMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MarketableAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesNoncurrentMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems to FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:title="FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable to FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis to FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis to FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain to FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:title="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable to FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis to FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis to FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:title="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain to EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:title="FairValueInputsLevel1Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain to FairValueInputsLevel1Member" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:title="FairValueInputsLevel2Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain to FairValueInputsLevel2Member" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:title="FairValueInputsLevel3Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain to FairValueInputsLevel3Member" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable to ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems to CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_MarketableDebtAndEquitySecurities" xlink:label="MarketableDebtAndEquitySecurities" xlink:title="MarketableDebtAndEquitySecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="MarketableDebtAndEquitySecurities" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems to MarketableDebtAndEquitySecurities" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecurities" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="MarketableSecuritiesNoncurrent" xlink:title="MarketableSecuritiesNoncurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="MarketableSecuritiesNoncurrent" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems to MarketableSecuritiesNoncurrent" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndBusinessActivitiesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:title="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable to StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="SegmentDomain" xlink:title="SegmentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="SegmentDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis to SegmentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SatelliteServicesBusinessMember" xlink:label="SatelliteServicesBusinessMember" xlink:title="SatelliteServicesBusinessMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentDomain" xlink:to="SatelliteServicesBusinessMember" xlink:title="definition: SegmentDomain to SatelliteServicesBusinessMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfOwnedAndLeasedInOrbitSatellites" xlink:label="NumberOfOwnedAndLeasedInOrbitSatellites" xlink:title="NumberOfOwnedAndLeasedInOrbitSatellites" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfOwnedAndLeasedInOrbitSatellites" xlink:title="definition: SegmentReportingInformationLineItems to NumberOfOwnedAndLeasedInOrbitSatellites" use="optional" order="2.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsTables">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable to RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:title="RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis to RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NagraStarLLCMember" xlink:label="NagraStarLLCMember" xlink:title="NagraStarLLCMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="NagraStarLLCMember" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyDomain to NagraStarLLCMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DishMexicoMember" xlink:label="DishMexicoMember" xlink:title="DishMexicoMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="DishMexicoMember" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyDomain to DishMexicoMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsTableTextBlock" xlink:title="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsTableTextBlock" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsTableTextBlock" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsTableTextBlock" use="optional" order="2.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAndOtherInvestmentSecuritiesDetails8">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems to FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:title="FairValueByAssetClassAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:to="FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable to FairValueByAssetClassAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByAssetClassAxis to FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByAssetClassAxis to FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsMember" xlink:label="InvestmentsMember" xlink:title="InvestmentsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="InvestmentsMember" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain to InvestmentsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems to FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward to FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward to FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward to FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward to FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward to FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersIntoLevel3" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersIntoLevel3" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersIntoLevel3" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersIntoLevel3" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward to FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersIntoLevel3" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems" xlink:title="RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" xlink:title="definition: RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems to ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:title="StatementGeographicalAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" xlink:to="StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable to StatementGeographicalAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:title="SegmentGeographicalDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementGeographicalAxis to SegmentGeographicalDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:usable="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="SegmentGeographicalDomain_2" xlink:title="SegmentGeographicalDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="SegmentGeographicalDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: StatementGeographicalAxis to SegmentGeographicalDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NorthAmericaMember" xlink:label="NorthAmericaMember" xlink:title="NorthAmericaMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="NorthAmericaMember" xlink:title="definition: SegmentGeographicalDomain to NorthAmericaMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AllOtherGeographicSegmentsMember" xlink:label="AllOtherGeographicSegmentsMember" xlink:title="AllOtherGeographicSegmentsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="AllOtherGeographicSegmentsMember" xlink:title="definition: SegmentGeographicalDomain to AllOtherGeographicSegmentsMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AfricaAsiaAndTheMiddleEastSegmentMember" xlink:label="AfricaAsiaAndTheMiddleEastSegmentMember" xlink:title="AfricaAsiaAndTheMiddleEastSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="AfricaAsiaAndTheMiddleEastSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: SegmentGeographicalDomain to AfricaAsiaAndTheMiddleEastSegmentMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EuropeSegmentMember" xlink:label="EuropeSegmentMember" xlink:title="EuropeSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="EuropeSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: SegmentGeographicalDomain to EuropeSegmentMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SouthAmericaAndTheCarribeanSegmentMember" xlink:label="SouthAmericaAndTheCarribeanSegmentMember" xlink:title="SouthAmericaAndTheCarribeanSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="SouthAmericaAndTheCarribeanSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: SegmentGeographicalDomain to SouthAmericaAndTheCarribeanSegmentMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncurrentAssets" xlink:label="NoncurrentAssets" xlink:title="NoncurrentAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="NoncurrentAssets" xlink:title="definition: RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems to NoncurrentAssets" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet" xlink:label="SalesRevenueNet" xlink:title="SalesRevenueNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="SalesRevenueNet" xlink:title="definition: RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems to SalesRevenueNet" use="optional" order="3.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingDetails3">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DISHNetworkMember" xlink:label="DISHNetworkMember" xlink:title="DISHNetworkMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarTechnologiesBusinessMember" xlink:label="EchoStarTechnologiesBusinessMember" xlink:title="EchoStarTechnologiesBusinessMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DISHNetworkMember" xlink:to="EchoStarTechnologiesBusinessMember" xlink:title="definition: DISHNetworkMember to EchoStarTechnologiesBusinessMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SatelliteServicesBusinessMember" xlink:label="SatelliteServicesBusinessMember" xlink:title="SatelliteServicesBusinessMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DISHNetworkMember" xlink:to="SatelliteServicesBusinessMember" xlink:title="definition: DISHNetworkMember to SatelliteServicesBusinessMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_HughesBusinessSegmentMember" xlink:label="HughesBusinessSegmentMember" xlink:title="HughesBusinessSegmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DISHNetworkMember" xlink:to="HughesBusinessSegmentMember" xlink:title="definition: DISHNetworkMember to HughesBusinessSegmentMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember" xlink:label="AllOtherSegmentsMember" xlink:title="AllOtherSegmentsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DISHNetworkMember" xlink:to="AllOtherSegmentsMember" xlink:title="definition: DISHNetworkMember to AllOtherSegmentsMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:label="ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:title="ConcentrationRiskLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:label="ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:title="ConcentrationRiskTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:to="ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskLineItems to ConcentrationRiskTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:title="MajorCustomersAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:to="MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskTable to MajorCustomersAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:title="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:to="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:title="definition: MajorCustomersAxis to NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_2" xlink:title="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:to="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: MajorCustomersAxis to NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="DISHNetworkMember" xlink:title="definition: NameOfMajorCustomerDomain to DISHNetworkMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_BellTVMember" xlink:label="BellTVMember" xlink:title="BellTVMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="BellTVMember" xlink:title="definition: NameOfMajorCustomerDomain to BellTVMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DishMexicoMember" xlink:label="DishMexicoMember" xlink:title="DishMexicoMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="DishMexicoMember" xlink:title="definition: NameOfMajorCustomerDomain to DishMexicoMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_OtherMajorCustomersMember" xlink:label="OtherMajorCustomersMember" xlink:title="OtherMajorCustomersMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="OtherMajorCustomersMember" xlink:title="definition: NameOfMajorCustomerDomain to OtherMajorCustomersMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_MajorCustomerRevenue" xlink:label="MajorCustomerRevenue" xlink:title="MajorCustomerRevenue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:to="MajorCustomerRevenue" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskLineItems to MajorCustomerRevenue" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_PercentageOfTotalRevenue" xlink:label="PercentageOfTotalRevenue" xlink:title="PercentageOfTotalRevenue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfTotalRevenue" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskLineItems to PercentageOfTotalRevenue" use="optional" order="3.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:label="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:title="ContractualObligationsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ScheduleOfFutureMaturitiesOfContractualObligationsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfFutureMaturitiesOfContractualObligationsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfFutureMaturitiesOfContractualObligationsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfFutureMaturitiesOfContractualObligationsTable" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to ScheduleOfFutureMaturitiesOfContractualObligationsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ContractualObligationsTypeAxis" xlink:label="ContractualObligationsTypeAxis" xlink:title="ContractualObligationsTypeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFutureMaturitiesOfContractualObligationsTable" xlink:to="ContractualObligationsTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFutureMaturitiesOfContractualObligationsTable to ContractualObligationsTypeAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ContractualObligationsTypeDomain" xlink:label="ContractualObligationsTypeDomain" xlink:title="ContractualObligationsTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsTypeAxis" xlink:to="ContractualObligationsTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsTypeAxis to ContractualObligationsTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ContractualObligationsTypeDomain" xlink:label="ContractualObligationsTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="ContractualObligationsTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsTypeAxis" xlink:to="ContractualObligationsTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsTypeAxis to ContractualObligationsTypeDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember" xlink:label="LongTermDebtMember" xlink:title="LongTermDebtMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsTypeDomain" xlink:to="LongTermDebtMember" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsTypeDomain to LongTermDebtMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember" xlink:label="CapitalLeaseObligationsMember" xlink:title="CapitalLeaseObligationsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsTypeDomain" xlink:to="CapitalLeaseObligationsMember" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsTypeDomain to CapitalLeaseObligationsMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember" xlink:label="InterestExpenseMember" xlink:title="InterestExpenseMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsTypeDomain" xlink:to="InterestExpenseMember" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsTypeDomain to InterestExpenseMember" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SatelliteRelatedObligationMember" xlink:label="SatelliteRelatedObligationMember" xlink:title="SatelliteRelatedObligationMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsTypeDomain" xlink:to="SatelliteRelatedObligationMember" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsTypeDomain to SatelliteRelatedObligationMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AssetsUnderConstructionEchoStarXVIMember" xlink:label="AssetsUnderConstructionEchoStarXVIMember" xlink:title="AssetsUnderConstructionEchoStarXVIMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SatelliteRelatedObligationMember" xlink:to="AssetsUnderConstructionEchoStarXVIMember" xlink:title="definition: SatelliteRelatedObligationMember to AssetsUnderConstructionEchoStarXVIMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AssetsUnderConstructionJupiterMember" xlink:label="AssetsUnderConstructionJupiterMember" xlink:title="AssetsUnderConstructionJupiterMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SatelliteRelatedObligationMember" xlink:to="AssetsUnderConstructionJupiterMember" xlink:title="definition: SatelliteRelatedObligationMember to AssetsUnderConstructionJupiterMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AssetsUnderConstructionEchoStarXVIIOrJupiterMember" xlink:label="AssetsUnderConstructionEchoStarXVIIOrJupiterMember" xlink:title="AssetsUnderConstructionEchoStarXVIIOrJupiterMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SatelliteRelatedObligationMember" xlink:to="AssetsUnderConstructionEchoStarXVIIOrJupiterMember" xlink:title="definition: SatelliteRelatedObligationMember to AssetsUnderConstructionEchoStarXVIIOrJupiterMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpenseMember" xlink:label="OperatingLeaseExpenseMember" xlink:title="OperatingLeaseExpenseMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsTypeDomain" xlink:to="OperatingLeaseExpenseMember" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsTypeDomain to OperatingLeaseExpenseMember" use="optional" order="8004.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAndOtherObligationsMember" xlink:label="LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAndOtherObligationsMember" xlink:title="LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAndOtherObligationsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsTypeDomain" xlink:to="LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAndOtherObligationsMember" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsTypeDomain to LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAndOtherObligationsMember" use="optional" order="8005.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquisitionMember" xlink:label="AcquisitionMember" xlink:title="AcquisitionMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsTypeDomain" xlink:to="AcquisitionMember" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsTypeDomain to AcquisitionMember" use="optional" order="8006.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis" xlink:label="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis" xlink:title="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFutureMaturitiesOfContractualObligationsTable" xlink:to="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFutureMaturitiesOfContractualObligationsTable to SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:label="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:title="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis" xlink:to="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:title="definition: SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis to SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:label="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_2" xlink:title="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis" xlink:to="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis to SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_BrazilianOrbitalSlotsMember" xlink:label="BrazilianOrbitalSlotsMember" xlink:title="BrazilianOrbitalSlotsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:to="BrazilianOrbitalSlotsMember" xlink:title="definition: SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain to BrazilianOrbitalSlotsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarXVIMember" xlink:label="EchoStarXVIMember" xlink:title="EchoStarXVIMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:to="EchoStarXVIMember" xlink:title="definition: SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain to EchoStarXVIMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarXVIIOrJupiterMember" xlink:label="EchoStarXVIIOrJupiterMember" xlink:title="EchoStarXVIIOrJupiterMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:to="EchoStarXVIIOrJupiterMember" xlink:title="definition: SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain to EchoStarXVIIOrJupiterMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_OrbitalLocationAxis" xlink:label="OrbitalLocationAxis" xlink:title="OrbitalLocationAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfFutureMaturitiesOfContractualObligationsTable" xlink:to="OrbitalLocationAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfFutureMaturitiesOfContractualObligationsTable to OrbitalLocationAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_OrbitalLocationDomain" xlink:label="OrbitalLocationDomain" xlink:title="OrbitalLocationDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="OrbitalLocationAxis" xlink:to="OrbitalLocationDomain" xlink:title="definition: OrbitalLocationAxis to OrbitalLocationDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_OrbitalLocationDomain" xlink:label="OrbitalLocationDomain_2" xlink:title="OrbitalLocationDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="OrbitalLocationAxis" xlink:to="OrbitalLocationDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: OrbitalLocationAxis to OrbitalLocationDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_WestOrbitalLocation45DegreeMember" xlink:label="WestOrbitalLocation45DegreeMember" xlink:title="WestOrbitalLocation45DegreeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OrbitalLocationDomain" xlink:to="WestOrbitalLocation45DegreeMember" xlink:title="definition: OrbitalLocationDomain to WestOrbitalLocation45DegreeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_WestOrbitalLocation68.5DegreeMember" xlink:label="WestOrbitalLocation68.5DegreeMember" xlink:title="WestOrbitalLocation68.5DegreeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OrbitalLocationDomain" xlink:to="WestOrbitalLocation68.5DegreeMember" xlink:title="definition: OrbitalLocationDomain to WestOrbitalLocation68.5DegreeMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ValueOfBid" xlink:label="ValueOfBid" xlink:title="ValueOfBid" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="ValueOfBid" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to ValueOfBid" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_BidExchangeRate" xlink:label="BidExchangeRate" xlink:title="BidExchangeRate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="BidExchangeRate" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to BidExchangeRate" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ContractualObligationsRepaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:title="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to ContractualObligationsRepaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ContractualObligationsRepaymentsAfterFourthFullFiscalYear" xlink:label="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsAfterFourthFullFiscalYear" xlink:title="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsAfterFourthFullFiscalYear" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsAfterFourthFullFiscalYear" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to ContractualObligationsRepaymentsAfterFourthFullFiscalYear" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ScheduledPeriodToCompleteSatellitesUnderConstruction" xlink:label="ScheduledPeriodToCompleteSatellitesUnderConstruction" xlink:title="ScheduledPeriodToCompleteSatellitesUnderConstruction" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduledPeriodToCompleteSatellitesUnderConstruction" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to ScheduledPeriodToCompleteSatellitesUnderConstruction" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfDBSTranspondersAvailable" xlink:label="NumberOfDBSTranspondersAvailable" xlink:title="NumberOfDBSTranspondersAvailable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfDBSTranspondersAvailable" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to NumberOfDBSTranspondersAvailable" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfDBSTranspondersLeased" xlink:label="NumberOfDBSTranspondersLeased" xlink:title="NumberOfDBSTranspondersLeased" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfDBSTranspondersLeased" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to NumberOfDBSTranspondersLeased" use="optional" order="8004.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfOrbitalSlotsForWhichEntityCanBid" xlink:label="NumberOfOrbitalSlotsForWhichEntityCanBid" xlink:title="NumberOfOrbitalSlotsForWhichEntityCanBid" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfOrbitalSlotsForWhichEntityCanBid" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to NumberOfOrbitalSlotsForWhichEntityCanBid" use="optional" order="8005.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense" xlink:label="LeaseAndRentalExpense" xlink:title="LeaseAndRentalExpense" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="LeaseAndRentalExpense" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to LeaseAndRentalExpense" use="optional" order="8006.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ContractualObligationsRepaymentsFirstFullFiscalYear" xlink:label="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsFirstFullFiscalYear" xlink:title="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsFirstFullFiscalYear" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsFirstFullFiscalYear" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to ContractualObligationsRepaymentsFirstFullFiscalYear" use="optional" order="8007.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ContractualObligationsRepaymentsSecondFullFiscalYear" xlink:label="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsSecondFullFiscalYear" xlink:title="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsSecondFullFiscalYear" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsSecondFullFiscalYear" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to ContractualObligationsRepaymentsSecondFullFiscalYear" use="optional" order="8008.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ContractualObligationsRepaymentsThirdFullFiscalYear" xlink:label="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsThirdFullFiscalYear" xlink:title="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsThirdFullFiscalYear" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsThirdFullFiscalYear" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to ContractualObligationsRepaymentsThirdFullFiscalYear" use="optional" order="8009.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ContractualObligationsRepaymentsFourthFullFiscalYear" xlink:label="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsFourthFullFiscalYear" xlink:title="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsFourthFullFiscalYear" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsFourthFullFiscalYear" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to ContractualObligationsRepaymentsFourthFullFiscalYear" use="optional" order="8010.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ContractualObligationsRepaymentsFifthFullFiscalYear" xlink:label="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsFifthFullFiscalYear" xlink:title="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsFifthFullFiscalYear" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsFifthFullFiscalYear" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to ContractualObligationsRepaymentsFifthFullFiscalYear" use="optional" order="8011.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ContractualObligationsRepaymentsAfterFifthFullFiscalYear" xlink:label="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsAfterFifthFullFiscalYear" xlink:title="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsAfterFifthFullFiscalYear" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsAfterFifthFullFiscalYear" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to ContractualObligationsRepaymentsAfterFifthFullFiscalYear" use="optional" order="8012.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ContractualObligationsRepaymentsTotal" xlink:label="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsTotal" xlink:title="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsTotal" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="ContractualObligationsRepaymentsTotal" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to ContractualObligationsRepaymentsTotal" use="optional" order="8013.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ContractualObligationsNumberOfSatelliteLaunchContracts" xlink:label="ContractualObligationsNumberOfSatelliteLaunchContracts" xlink:title="ContractualObligationsNumberOfSatelliteLaunchContracts" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="ContractualObligationsNumberOfSatelliteLaunchContracts" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to ContractualObligationsNumberOfSatelliteLaunchContracts" use="optional" order="8014.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" xlink:label="UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" xlink:title="UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" use="optional" order="8015.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ExpectedFuturePaymentsUnderAgreement" xlink:label="ExpectedFuturePaymentsUnderAgreement" xlink:title="ExpectedFuturePaymentsUnderAgreement" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="ExpectedFuturePaymentsUnderAgreement" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to ExpectedFuturePaymentsUnderAgreement" use="optional" order="8016.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_PeriodOfInOrbitInsurance" xlink:label="PeriodOfInOrbitInsurance" xlink:title="PeriodOfInOrbitInsurance" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="PeriodOfInOrbitInsurance" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to PeriodOfInOrbitInsurance" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_PurchaseAmountLauchAndInOrbitInsurance" xlink:label="PurchaseAmountLauchAndInOrbitInsurance" xlink:title="PurchaseAmountLauchAndInOrbitInsurance" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="PurchaseAmountLauchAndInOrbitInsurance" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to PurchaseAmountLauchAndInOrbitInsurance" use="optional" order="8018.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ContractObligation" xlink:label="ContractObligation" xlink:title="ContractObligation" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ContractualObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="ContractObligation" xlink:title="definition: ContractualObligationsLineItems to ContractObligation" order="5.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SatellitesMember" xlink:label="SatellitesMember" xlink:title="SatellitesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="SatellitesMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to SatellitesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_FurnitureFixturesEquipmentAndOtherMember" xlink:label="FurnitureFixturesEquipmentAndOtherMember" xlink:title="FurnitureFixturesEquipmentAndOtherMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="FurnitureFixturesEquipmentAndOtherMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to FurnitureFixturesEquipmentAndOtherMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_FiniteLivedIdentifiableIntangibleAssetsMember" xlink:label="FiniteLivedIdentifiableIntangibleAssetsMember" xlink:title="FiniteLivedIdentifiableIntangibleAssetsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="FiniteLivedIdentifiableIntangibleAssetsMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to FiniteLivedIdentifiableIntangibleAssetsMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" xlink:label="BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" xlink:title="BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember" xlink:label="LandMember" xlink:title="LandMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="LandMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to LandMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ConsumerRentalEquipmentsMember" xlink:label="ConsumerRentalEquipmentsMember" xlink:title="ConsumerRentalEquipmentsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="ConsumerRentalEquipmentsMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to ConsumerRentalEquipmentsMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:label="ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:title="ConstructionInProgressMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to ConstructionInProgressMember" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarXVIMember" xlink:label="EchoStarXVIMember" xlink:title="EchoStarXVIMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:to="EchoStarXVIMember" xlink:title="definition: ConstructionInProgressMember to EchoStarXVIMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarXVIIOrJupiterMember" xlink:label="EchoStarXVIIOrJupiterMember" xlink:title="EchoStarXVIIOrJupiterMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:to="EchoStarXVIIOrJupiterMember" xlink:title="definition: ConstructionInProgressMember to EchoStarXVIIOrJupiterMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ProgressAmountsForSatelliteConstructionOtherMember" xlink:label="ProgressAmountsForSatelliteConstructionOtherMember" xlink:title="ProgressAmountsForSatelliteConstructionOtherMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:to="ProgressAmountsForSatelliteConstructionOtherMember" xlink:title="definition: ConstructionInProgressMember to ProgressAmountsForSatelliteConstructionOtherMember" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_BuildingAndImprovementsConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:label="BuildingAndImprovementsConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:title="BuildingAndImprovementsConstructionInProgressMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:to="BuildingAndImprovementsConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:title="definition: ConstructionInProgressMember to BuildingAndImprovementsConstructionInProgressMember" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_UplinkingAndGatewayEquipmentMember" xlink:label="UplinkingAndGatewayEquipmentMember" xlink:title="UplinkingAndGatewayEquipmentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:to="UplinkingAndGatewayEquipmentMember" xlink:title="definition: ConstructionInProgressMember to UplinkingAndGatewayEquipmentMember" use="optional" order="8004.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ConstructionInProgressOtherMember" xlink:label="ConstructionInProgressOtherMember" xlink:title="ConstructionInProgressOtherMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:to="ConstructionInProgressOtherMember" xlink:title="definition: ConstructionInProgressMember to ConstructionInProgressOtherMember" use="optional" order="8005.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_JupiterMember" xlink:label="JupiterMember" xlink:title="JupiterMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:to="JupiterMember" xlink:title="definition: ConstructionInProgressMember to JupiterMember" use="optional" order="8006.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_QuetzSat1Member" xlink:label="QuetzSat1Member" xlink:title="QuetzSat1Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:to="QuetzSat1Member" xlink:title="definition: ConstructionInProgressMember to QuetzSat1Member" use="optional" order="8007.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_CMBStarMember" xlink:label="CMBStarMember" xlink:title="CMBStarMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:to="CMBStarMember" xlink:title="definition: ConstructionInProgressMember to CMBStarMember" use="optional" order="8008.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarIIIMember" xlink:label="EchoStarIIIMember" xlink:title="EchoStarIIIMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="EchoStarIIIMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to EchoStarIIIMember" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarIVMember" xlink:label="EchoStarIVMember" xlink:title="EchoStarIVMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="EchoStarIVMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to EchoStarIVMember" use="optional" order="8004.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarVIMember" xlink:label="EchoStarVIMember" xlink:title="EchoStarVIMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="EchoStarVIMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to EchoStarVIMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarVIIIMember" xlink:label="EchoStarVIIIMember" xlink:title="EchoStarVIIIMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="EchoStarVIIIMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to EchoStarVIIIMember" use="optional" order="8005.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarIXMember" xlink:label="EchoStarIXMember" xlink:title="EchoStarIXMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="EchoStarIXMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to EchoStarIXMember" use="optional" order="8006.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarXIIMember" xlink:label="EchoStarXIIMember" xlink:title="EchoStarXIIMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="EchoStarXIIMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to EchoStarXIIMember" use="optional" order="8007.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SPACEWAY3Member" xlink:label="SPACEWAY3Member" xlink:title="SPACEWAY3Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="SPACEWAY3Member" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to SPACEWAY3Member" use="optional" order="8008.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsHeldUnderCapitalLeasesMember" xlink:label="AssetsHeldUnderCapitalLeasesMember" xlink:title="AssetsHeldUnderCapitalLeasesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="AssetsHeldUnderCapitalLeasesMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to AssetsHeldUnderCapitalLeasesMember" use="optional" order="8009.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract" xlink:label="DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract" xlink:title="DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:title="DepreciationAndAmortization" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract" xlink:to="DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:title="definition: DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract to DepreciationAndAmortization" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfSatellitesInGeostationaryOrbitUtilizedByReportingEntity" xlink:label="NumberOfSatellitesInGeostationaryOrbitUtilizedByReportingEntity" xlink:title="NumberOfSatellitesInGeostationaryOrbitUtilizedByReportingEntity" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfSatellitesInGeostationaryOrbitUtilizedByReportingEntity" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to NumberOfSatellitesInGeostationaryOrbitUtilizedByReportingEntity" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfSatellitesInGeostationaryOrbitUtilizedByReportingEntityUnderLeases" xlink:label="NumberOfSatellitesInGeostationaryOrbitUtilizedByReportingEntityUnderLeases" xlink:title="NumberOfSatellitesInGeostationaryOrbitUtilizedByReportingEntityUnderLeases" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfSatellitesInGeostationaryOrbitUtilizedByReportingEntityUnderLeases" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to NumberOfSatellitesInGeostationaryOrbitUtilizedByReportingEntityUnderLeases" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfSatellitesInGeostationaryOrbitUtilizedByReportingEntityUnderCapitalLeases" xlink:label="NumberOfSatellitesInGeostationaryOrbitUtilizedByReportingEntityUnderCapitalLeases" xlink:title="NumberOfSatellitesInGeostationaryOrbitUtilizedByReportingEntityUnderCapitalLeases" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfSatellitesInGeostationaryOrbitUtilizedByReportingEntityUnderCapitalLeases" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to NumberOfSatellitesInGeostationaryOrbitUtilizedByReportingEntityUnderCapitalLeases" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfSatellitesInGeostationaryOrbitUtilizedByReportingEntityUnderOperatingLeases" xlink:label="NumberOfSatellitesInGeostationaryOrbitUtilizedByReportingEntityUnderOperatingLeases" xlink:title="NumberOfSatellitesInGeostationaryOrbitUtilizedByReportingEntityUnderOperatingLeases" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfSatellitesInGeostationaryOrbitUtilizedByReportingEntityUnderOperatingLeases" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to NumberOfSatellitesInGeostationaryOrbitUtilizedByReportingEntityUnderOperatingLeases" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeAverage" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeAverage" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeAverage" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeAverage" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeAverage" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeMinimum" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeMinimum" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeMinimum" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeMinimum" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeMinimum" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeMaximum" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeMaximum" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeMaximum" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeMaximum" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeMaximum" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_CapitalizedInterestRelatedToSatellitesUnderConstruction" xlink:label="CapitalizedInterestRelatedToSatellitesUnderConstruction" xlink:title="CapitalizedInterestRelatedToSatellitesUnderConstruction" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="CapitalizedInterestRelatedToSatellitesUnderConstruction" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to CapitalizedInterestRelatedToSatellitesUnderConstruction" use="optional" order="8004.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_SatellitesMember" xlink:label="SatellitesMember" xlink:title="SatellitesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="SatellitesMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to SatellitesMember" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarIIIMember" xlink:label="EchoStarIIIMember" xlink:title="EchoStarIIIMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SatellitesMember" xlink:to="EchoStarIIIMember" xlink:title="definition: SatellitesMember to EchoStarIIIMember" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarIVMember" xlink:label="EchoStarIVMember" xlink:title="EchoStarIVMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SatellitesMember" xlink:to="EchoStarIVMember" xlink:title="definition: SatellitesMember to EchoStarIVMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarVIMember" xlink:label="EchoStarVIMember" xlink:title="EchoStarVIMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SatellitesMember" xlink:to="EchoStarVIMember" xlink:title="definition: SatellitesMember to EchoStarVIMember" use="optional" order="8004.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarVIIIMember" xlink:label="EchoStarVIIIMember" xlink:title="EchoStarVIIIMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SatellitesMember" xlink:to="EchoStarVIIIMember" xlink:title="definition: SatellitesMember to EchoStarVIIIMember" use="optional" order="8005.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarIXMember" xlink:label="EchoStarIXMember" xlink:title="EchoStarIXMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SatellitesMember" xlink:to="EchoStarIXMember" xlink:title="definition: SatellitesMember to EchoStarIXMember" use="optional" order="8006.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarXIIMember" xlink:label="EchoStarXIIMember" xlink:title="EchoStarXIIMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SatellitesMember" xlink:to="EchoStarXIIMember" xlink:title="definition: SatellitesMember to EchoStarXIIMember" use="optional" order="8007.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsHeldUnderCapitalLeasesMember" xlink:label="AssetsHeldUnderCapitalLeasesMember" xlink:title="AssetsHeldUnderCapitalLeasesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SatellitesMember" xlink:to="AssetsHeldUnderCapitalLeasesMember" xlink:title="definition: SatellitesMember to AssetsHeldUnderCapitalLeasesMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarIMember" xlink:label="EchoStarIMember" xlink:title="EchoStarIMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SatellitesMember" xlink:to="EchoStarIMember" xlink:title="definition: SatellitesMember to EchoStarIMember" use="optional" order="8008.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AMC15Member" xlink:label="AMC15Member" xlink:title="AMC15Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SatellitesMember" xlink:to="AMC15Member" xlink:title="definition: SatellitesMember to AMC15Member" use="optional" order="8009.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AMC16Member" xlink:label="AMC16Member" xlink:title="AMC16Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SatellitesMember" xlink:to="AMC16Member" xlink:title="definition: SatellitesMember to AMC16Member" use="optional" order="8010.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_Nimiq5Member" xlink:label="Nimiq5Member" xlink:title="Nimiq5Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SatellitesMember" xlink:to="Nimiq5Member" xlink:title="definition: SatellitesMember to Nimiq5Member" use="optional" order="8011.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_QuetzSat1Member" xlink:label="QuetzSat1Member" xlink:title="QuetzSat1Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SatellitesMember" xlink:to="QuetzSat1Member" xlink:title="definition: SatellitesMember to QuetzSat1Member" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarXVIMember" xlink:label="EchoStarXVIMember" xlink:title="EchoStarXVIMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SatellitesMember" xlink:to="EchoStarXVIMember" xlink:title="definition: SatellitesMember to EchoStarXVIMember" use="optional" order="8012.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_CMBStarMember" xlink:label="CMBStarMember" xlink:title="CMBStarMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SatellitesMember" xlink:to="CMBStarMember" xlink:title="definition: SatellitesMember to CMBStarMember" use="optional" order="8014.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LeasedSatellitesMember" xlink:label="LeasedSatellitesMember" xlink:title="LeasedSatellitesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SatellitesMember" xlink:to="LeasedSatellitesMember" xlink:title="definition: SatellitesMember to LeasedSatellitesMember" use="optional" order="8015.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_JupiterMember" xlink:label="JupiterMember" xlink:title="JupiterMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SatellitesMember" xlink:to="JupiterMember" xlink:title="definition: SatellitesMember to JupiterMember" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_EchoStarXVIIOrJupiterMember" xlink:label="EchoStarXVIIOrJupiterMember" xlink:title="EchoStarXVIIOrJupiterMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SatellitesMember" xlink:to="EchoStarXVIIOrJupiterMember" xlink:title="definition: SatellitesMember to EchoStarXVIIOrJupiterMember" order="8013.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_LeaseAssetsTerm" xlink:label="LeaseAssetsTerm" xlink:title="LeaseAssetsTerm" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="LeaseAssetsTerm" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to LeaseAssetsTerm" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfInOrbitSatellitesAcquired" xlink:label="NumberOfInOrbitSatellitesAcquired" xlink:title="NumberOfInOrbitSatellitesAcquired" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfInOrbitSatellitesAcquired" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to NumberOfInOrbitSatellitesAcquired" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfSatellitesLeased" xlink:label="NumberOfSatellitesLeased" xlink:title="NumberOfSatellitesLeased" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfSatellitesLeased" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to NumberOfSatellitesLeased" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfTranspondersOptionOne" xlink:label="NumberOfTranspondersOptionOne" xlink:title="NumberOfTranspondersOptionOne" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfTranspondersOptionOne" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to NumberOfTranspondersOptionOne" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_WattsPerChannelOptionOne" xlink:label="WattsPerChannelOptionOne" xlink:title="WattsPerChannelOptionOne" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="WattsPerChannelOptionOne" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to WattsPerChannelOptionOne" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfTranspondersAvailableOptionTwo" xlink:label="NumberOfTranspondersAvailableOptionTwo" xlink:title="NumberOfTranspondersAvailableOptionTwo" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfTranspondersAvailableOptionTwo" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to NumberOfTranspondersAvailableOptionTwo" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_WattsPerChannelOptionTwo" xlink:label="WattsPerChannelOptionTwo" xlink:title="WattsPerChannelOptionTwo" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="WattsPerChannelOptionTwo" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to WattsPerChannelOptionTwo" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DecreaseInCapitalLeaseObligationAndCorrespondingAssetsValueDueToReductionInRecurringPayment" xlink:label="DecreaseInCapitalLeaseObligationAndCorrespondingAssetsValueDueToReductionInRecurringPayment" xlink:title="DecreaseInCapitalLeaseObligationAndCorrespondingAssetsValueDueToReductionInRecurringPayment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="DecreaseInCapitalLeaseObligationAndCorrespondingAssetsValueDueToReductionInRecurringPayment" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to DecreaseInCapitalLeaseObligationAndCorrespondingAssetsValueDueToReductionInRecurringPayment" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse" xlink:label="ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse" xlink:title="ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse" use="optional" order="8004.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfSpotBeamsOptionOne" xlink:label="NumberOfSpotBeamsOptionOne" xlink:title="NumberOfSpotBeamsOptionOne" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfSpotBeamsOptionOne" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to NumberOfSpotBeamsOptionOne" use="optional" order="8005.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfSatellitesAcquired" xlink:label="NumberOfSatellitesAcquired" xlink:title="NumberOfSatellitesAcquired" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfSatellitesAcquired" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to NumberOfSatellitesAcquired" use="optional" order="8006.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_NumberOfSatellitesUnderConstructionAcquired" xlink:label="NumberOfSatellitesUnderConstructionAcquired" xlink:title="NumberOfSatellitesUnderConstructionAcquired" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfSatellitesUnderConstructionAcquired" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to NumberOfSatellitesUnderConstructionAcquired" use="optional" order="8007.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureDebtDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:label="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:title="TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:title="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:title="definition: TypeOfArrangementAxis to ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_QuetzSat1LeaseAgreementMember" xlink:label="QuetzSat1LeaseAgreementMember" xlink:title="QuetzSat1LeaseAgreementMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="QuetzSat1LeaseAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to QuetzSat1LeaseAgreementMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AMC15Member" xlink:label="AMC15Member" xlink:title="AMC15Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="AMC15Member" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to AMC15Member" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_AMC16Member" xlink:label="AMC16Member" xlink:title="AMC16Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="AMC16Member" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to AMC16Member" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_QuetzSat1Member" xlink:label="QuetzSat1Member" xlink:title="QuetzSat1Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="QuetzSat1Member" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to QuetzSat1Member" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems" xlink:title="CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalLeasedAsssetsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfCapitalLeasedAsssetsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfCapitalLeasedAsssetsTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfCapitalLeasedAsssetsTable" xlink:title="definition: CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems to ScheduleOfCapitalLeasedAsssetsTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCapitalLeasedAsssetsTable" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCapitalLeasedAsssetsTable to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCapitalLeasedAsssetsTable" xlink:to="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCapitalLeasedAsssetsTable to TypeOfArrangementAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasedAssetsGross" xlink:label="CapitalLeasedAssetsGross" xlink:title="CapitalLeasedAssetsGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="CapitalLeasedAssetsGross" xlink:title="definition: CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems to CapitalLeasedAssetsGross" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesLesseeBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassAccumulatedDeprecation" xlink:label="CapitalLeasesLesseeBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassAccumulatedDeprecation" xlink:title="CapitalLeasesLesseeBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassAccumulatedDeprecation" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="CapitalLeasesLesseeBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassAccumulatedDeprecation" xlink:title="definition: CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems to CapitalLeasesLesseeBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassAccumulatedDeprecation" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesIncomeStatementAmortizationExpense" xlink:label="CapitalLeasesIncomeStatementAmortizationExpense" xlink:title="CapitalLeasesIncomeStatementAmortizationExpense" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="CapitalLeasesIncomeStatementAmortizationExpense" xlink:title="definition: CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems to CapitalLeasesIncomeStatementAmortizationExpense" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncreaseDecreaseDueToChangeInMonthlyRecurringPayment" xlink:label="CapitalLeaseObligationsIncreaseDecreaseDueToChangeInMonthlyRecurringPayment" xlink:title="CapitalLeaseObligationsIncreaseDecreaseDueToChangeInMonthlyRecurringPayment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="CapitalLeaseObligationsIncreaseDecreaseDueToChangeInMonthlyRecurringPayment" xlink:title="definition: CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems to CapitalLeaseObligationsIncreaseDecreaseDueToChangeInMonthlyRecurringPayment" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_InitialTermOfSatelliteCapitalLeases" xlink:label="InitialTermOfSatelliteCapitalLeases" xlink:title="InitialTermOfSatelliteCapitalLeases" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="InitialTermOfSatelliteCapitalLeases" xlink:title="definition: CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems to InitialTermOfSatelliteCapitalLeases" order="5.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:title="ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable" xlink:label="ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable" xlink:title="ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable" xlink:title="definition: ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems to ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" xlink:label="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" xlink:title="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable" xlink:to="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable to ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:label="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:title="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" xlink:to="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:title="definition: ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis to ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:label="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_2" xlink:title="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" xlink:to="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis to ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsMember" xlink:label="AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsMember" xlink:title="AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:to="AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsMember" xlink:title="definition: ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain to AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember" xlink:label="ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember" xlink:title="ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:to="ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember" xlink:title="definition: ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain to ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward" xlink:label="MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward" xlink:title="MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward" xlink:title="definition: ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems to MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance" xlink:label="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance" xlink:title="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward" xlink:to="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance" xlink:title="definition: MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward to ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense" xlink:label="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense" xlink:title="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward" xlink:to="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense" xlink:title="definition: MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward to ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions" xlink:label="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions" xlink:title="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward" xlink:to="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions" xlink:title="definition: MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward to ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions" use="optional" order="3.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.echostar.com/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAxis to BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_HughesCommunicationsMember" xlink:label="HughesCommunicationsMember" xlink:title="HughesCommunicationsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="HughesCommunicationsMember" xlink:title="definition: BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain to HughesCommunicationsMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:label="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:title="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_ScheduleOfDefinedContributionBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfDefinedContributionBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfDefinedContributionBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfDefinedContributionBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:title="definition: DefinedContributionPensionLineItems to ScheduleOfDefinedContributionBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" order="1.0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfDefinedContributionBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfDefinedContributionBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable to BusinessAcquisitionAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionAsPercentageOfEmployeeVoluntaryContribution" xlink:label="DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionAsPercentageOfEmployeeVoluntaryContribution" xlink:title="DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionAsPercentageOfEmployeeVoluntaryContribution" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionAsPercentageOfEmployeeVoluntaryContribution" xlink:title="definition: DefinedContributionPensionLineItems to DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionAsPercentageOfEmployeeVoluntaryContribution" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMaximumAnnualContributionPerEmployee" xlink:label="DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMaximumAnnualContributionPerEmployee" xlink:title="DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMaximumAnnualContributionPerEmployee" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMaximumAnnualContributionPerEmployee" xlink:title="definition: DefinedContributionPensionLineItems to DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMaximumAnnualContributionPerEmployee" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DefinedContributionPlanMatchingContributionNetOfForfeiture" xlink:label="DefinedContributionPlanMatchingContributionNetOfForfeiture" xlink:title="DefinedContributionPlanMatchingContributionNetOfForfeiture" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedContributionPlanMatchingContributionNetOfForfeiture" xlink:title="definition: DefinedContributionPensionLineItems to DefinedContributionPlanMatchingContributionNetOfForfeiture" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DefinedContributionPlanDiscretionaryStockContributionNetOfForfeiture" xlink:label="DefinedContributionPlanDiscretionaryStockContributionNetOfForfeiture" xlink:title="DefinedContributionPlanDiscretionaryStockContributionNetOfForfeiture" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedContributionPlanDiscretionaryStockContributionNetOfForfeiture" xlink:title="definition: DefinedContributionPensionLineItems to DefinedContributionPlanDiscretionaryStockContributionNetOfForfeiture" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeContributionLimitPercentageOfCompensation" xlink:label="DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeContributionLimitPercentageOfCompensation" xlink:title="DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeContributionLimitPercentageOfCompensation" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeContributionLimitPercentageOfCompensation" xlink:title="definition: DefinedContributionPensionLineItems to DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeContributionLimitPercentageOfCompensation" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionPerEmployeeForHighlyCompensatedEmployeesPercent" xlink:label="DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionPerEmployeeForHighlyCompensatedEmployeesPercent" xlink:title="DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionPerEmployeeForHighlyCompensatedEmployeesPercent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionPerEmployeeForHighlyCompensatedEmployeesPercent" xlink:title="definition: DefinedContributionPensionLineItems to DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionPerEmployeeForHighlyCompensatedEmployeesPercent" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeContributionLimit" xlink:label="DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeContributionLimit" xlink:title="DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeContributionLimit" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeContributionLimit" xlink:title="definition: DefinedContributionPensionLineItems to DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeContributionLimit" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchLevelOne" xlink:label="DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchLevelOne" xlink:title="DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchLevelOne" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchLevelOne" xlink:title="definition: DefinedContributionPensionLineItems to DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchLevelOne" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchEmployeeContributionLevelOne" xlink:label="DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchEmployeeContributionLevelOne" xlink:title="DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchEmployeeContributionLevelOne" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchEmployeeContributionLevelOne" xlink:title="definition: DefinedContributionPensionLineItems to DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchEmployeeContributionLevelOne" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchLevelTwo" xlink:label="DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchLevelTwo" xlink:title="DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchLevelTwo" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchLevelTwo" xlink:title="definition: DefinedContributionPensionLineItems to DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchLevelTwo" use="optional" order="11.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchEmployeeContributionLevelTwo" xlink:label="DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchEmployeeContributionLevelTwo" xlink:title="DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchEmployeeContributionLevelTwo" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchEmployeeContributionLevelTwo" xlink:title="definition: DefinedContributionPensionLineItems to DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchEmployeeContributionLevelTwo" use="optional" order="12.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DefinedContributionPlanEmployersMatchingContributionAnnualVestingPercentage" xlink:label="DefinedContributionPlanEmployersMatchingContributionAnnualVestingPercentage" xlink:title="DefinedContributionPlanEmployersMatchingContributionAnnualVestingPercentage" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedContributionPlanEmployersMatchingContributionAnnualVestingPercentage" xlink:title="definition: DefinedContributionPensionLineItems to DefinedContributionPlanEmployersMatchingContributionAnnualVestingPercentage" use="optional" order="13.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DefinedContributionPlanEligiblePeriodOfServiceForMatchingContribution" xlink:label="DefinedContributionPlanEligiblePeriodOfServiceForMatchingContribution" xlink:title="DefinedContributionPlanEligiblePeriodOfServiceForMatchingContribution" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedContributionPlanEligiblePeriodOfServiceForMatchingContribution" xlink:title="definition: DefinedContributionPensionLineItems to DefinedContributionPlanEligiblePeriodOfServiceForMatchingContribution" use="optional" order="14.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized" xlink:label="DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized" xlink:title="DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized" xlink:title="definition: DefinedContributionPensionLineItems to DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized" use="optional" order="15.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DefinedContributionPlanAgeOfEmployeeToMakeAdditionalContributions" xlink:label="DefinedContributionPlanAgeOfEmployeeToMakeAdditionalContributions" xlink:title="DefinedContributionPlanAgeOfEmployeeToMakeAdditionalContributions" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedContributionPlanAgeOfEmployeeToMakeAdditionalContributions" xlink:title="definition: DefinedContributionPensionLineItems to DefinedContributionPlanAgeOfEmployeeToMakeAdditionalContributions" use="optional" order="16.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeAdditionalContributionLimit" xlink:label="DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeAdditionalContributionLimit" xlink:title="DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeAdditionalContributionLimit" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeAdditionalContributionLimit" xlink:title="definition: DefinedContributionPensionLineItems to DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeAdditionalContributionLimit" use="optional" order="17.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="DefinedContributionPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="DefinedContributionPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedContributionPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansDisclosureAbstract" xlink:title="definition: DefinedContributionPensionLineItems to DefinedContributionPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansDisclosureAbstract" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="sats-20120331.xsd#sats_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognizedAbstarct" xlink:label="DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognizedAbstarct" xlink:title="DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognizedAbstarct" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DefinedContributionPensionLineItems" xlink:to="DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognizedAbstarct" xlink:title="definition: DefinedContributionPensionLineItems to DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognizedAbstarct" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
</XBRL>
