The chief operating officers of both Loral Skynet and Loral Cyberstar are leaving their jobs as part of the integration of the two units of Loral Space and Communications [NYSE: LOR], a process that began last fall.

Joan Byrnes opted to retire as COO of Loral Skynet effective Friday. Also, Pat Brant is departing after having served as COO of Loral Cyberstar and president of Loral Cyberstar Enterprise Services since he joined the business unit in early 2001. Roughly a dozen people were included in the latest round of cuts.

The integration began with the exodus of Loral Cyberstar President and CEO Neil Bauer, who also was president of the former Loral Data Services. Bauer, now working as a consultant at the Orion Associates firm he heads in McLean, Va., had been president and CEO of Orion Network Systems and general manager of GE Americom.

Byrnes said she would take some time off, reassess her priorities and consider other opportunities inside and outside the industry. “The satellite industry is my first love,” said Byrnes. She added that she plans to fulfill the remainder of her term as chairman of the Society of Satellite Professionals International.