EXHIBIT 23.1

              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the COMSAT Corporation Savings and Profit-Sharing Plan of our
report dated January 21, 2000, 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, 1999, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                        /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Washington, D.C.
July 31, 2000