Exhibit 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333- ) pertaining to the Orion Network  Systems,  Inc. 1997 Stock Option
Plan of our  report  dated  March 7,  1997,  with  respect  to the  consolidated
financial  statements of Orion Network  Systems,  Inc., (a Delaware  corporation
that is now known as Orion Oldco  Services,  Inc.) included in its Annual Report
(Form 10-K and amendment thereto on Form 10-K/A) for the year ended December 31,
1996, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.




                                              ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Washington, D.C.
July 24, 1997