1
Exhibit 12.1
Golden Sky Systems, Inc.
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Inception to Year Ended Six Months Ended June 30,
December 31, 1998 December 31, 1997 1997 1998
Net Loss (1,167) (15,784) (2,858) (22,625)
Net Internet Expense 61 2,918 126 4,942
Rent Expense (Interest Portion) 9 145 33 119
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Earnings (as defined) (1,097) (12,721) (2,699) (17,564)
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Interest Expense 62 2,958 128 4,971
Rent Expense (Interest Portion) 9 145 33 119
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Fixed Charges 71 3,103 161 5,090
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges -- -- -- --
Pro Forma
Year Ended Six Months Ended
December 31, 1997 June 30, 1998
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Net Loss (60, 311) (34,434)
Net Interest Expense 26,754 13,282
Rent Expense (Interest Portion) 145 119
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Earnings (as defined) (33,412) (21,033)
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Interest Expense 26,794 13,311
Rent Expense (Interest Portion) 145 119
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Fixed Charges 26,939 13,430
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges -- --
The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is determined by dividing Earnings
(defined as the sum of net loss before net interest expense and a portion of
rent expense representative of interest) by Fixed Charges (defined as the sum of
interest expense and such portion of rent expenses). For the periods ended
December 31, 1996 and 1997 and the six month periods ending June 30, 1997 and
1998, the deficiency of earnings to fixed charges was $1,168, $15,824, $2,860
and $22,654, respectively. On a pro forma basis, for the year ended December 31,
1997 and the six month period ended June 30, 1998, the deficiency of earnings to
fixed charges was $60,351 and $34,463, respectively.