Exhibit 23.1


                     CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Current Report on Form 8-K of our report dated January 27,
1997 accompanying the consolidated financial statements of PanAmSat Corporation
and subsidiaries and predecessor entity as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and 
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, included in or made a part
of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.333-25293) of PanAmSat 
Corporation.




                                                 
                                                         ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



Stamford, Connecticut
May 30, 1997