EXHIBIT 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We  consent to the  reference  to our firm under the  caption  "Experts"  in the
Registration  Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-xxxxx) and related Prospectus of Orion
Network  Systems,  Inc. for the  registration of 5,052,202  shares of its common
stock and to the incorporation by reference therein 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.
November 11, 1997