Orion-related work drive sales for Lockheed Martin’s Space Segment in Q4 2014. Photo: Lockheed Martin

[Via Satellite 01-28-2015] Lockheed Martin’s Space Systems segment increased net sales by 10 percent during the fourth quarter of 2014, compared to the same quarter in 2013. The $368 million increase mainly stemmed from higher net sales of approximately $325 million for the Orion program, which saw its first unmanned test flight of the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) last year. The company also saw approximately $65 million in higher net sales for government satellite programs thanks to increased risk retirements, mostly for the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), and volume primarily from the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite system. These were partially offset by declines related to the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS).

Lockheed Martin Space Systems’ net sales for 2014 increased $107 million, up 1 percent from 2013. Decreased volume, mainly for AEHF, Global Positioning System 3 (GPS 3) and MUOS, offset higher sales from Orion and launch-related activities. The company had higher net sales of approximately $340 million from Orion and $145 million from commercial space transportation, but a $335 million decrease in the aforementioned government satellite programs, and a $45 million decrease in other various programs.