[Satellite TODAY 07-28-10] Lockheed Martin Space Systems saw its net sales increase 1 percent to $2.08 billion in its 2010 financial second quarter, driven by sales growth in satellites and higher volume in government satellite activities, the company announced July 27 in its latest financial results.
    The company said its Space Systems growth was offset by a decline in strategic and defensive missile systems sales. 
    Operating profit for Lockheed Space Systems increased by 9 percent for the quarter. The company said profits were driven by higher volume on NASA’s Orion program and offset by lower volume on the space shuttle’s external tank program. Lockheed Martin’s satellite operating profit was hampered by the fact that the company has yet to deliver a commercial satellite program in 2010.
    Overall, Lockheed Martin Corp. reported second quarter 2010 net sales of $11.4 billion — a 3 percent increase over the $11.1 billion in sales the company reported in 2009.