Exhibit 23.1
 
              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" included in
the Proxy Statement/Prospectus of COMSAT Corporation that is made a part of the
Registration Statement of Lockheed Martin Corporation on Form S-4, and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 22, 1999, except
for the third paragraph of Note 4, as to which the date is February 11, 1999,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Lockheed Martin
Corporation incorporated by reference in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the
year ended December 31, 1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                                     /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Washington, D.C.
May 5, 1999