EXHIBIT 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the  incorporation  by  reference  in the  following  Registration
Statements  of  our  report  dated  February  20,  1998,  with  respect  to  the
consolidated  financial  statements of Orion Network Systems,  Inc.  included in
this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1997:

     Post-Effective  Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No.
     33-97444)  pertaining  to the  Orion  Network  Systems,  Inc.  Amended  and
     Restated 1987 Stock Option Plan;

     Post-Effective  Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No.
     333-19021)  pertaining to the Orion Network  Systems,  Inc.  Employee Stock
     Purchase Plan and the Orion Network  Systems,  Inc.  401(k) Profit  Sharing
     Plan;

     Registration  Statement  (Form S-8 No.  333-24213)  pertaining to the Orion
     Network Systems, Inc. Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan;

     Registration  Statement  (Form S-8 No.  333-32457)  pertaining to the Orion
     Network Systems, Inc. 1997 Stock Option Plan;

     Post-Effective  Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-1 No.
     333-19167) on Form S-3 pertaining to the Warrants;

     Registration   Statement  (Form  S-3  No.  333-40123)   pertaining  to  the
     registration  of 5,052,202  shares of common stock dated November 13, 1997;
     and

     Proxy Statement of Orion Network  Systems,  Inc. that is made a part of the
     Registration  Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-46407) and related  Prospectus of
     Loral Space & Communications Ltd. dated February 17, 1998

                                                   /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Washington D.C.
March 18, 1998