[Satellite TODAY 10-21-09] Lockheed Martin’s space systems business unit has driven growth for the company in its third financial quarter of 2009, offsetting losses suffered due to U.S. military spending cutbacks, Lockheed Martin announced in its quarterly financial results, released Oct. 20. 
    The manufacturer reported adjusted third quarter net earnings of $797 million, a $15 million increase from the same period in 2008. The results of the third quarter bring the company’s total year-to-date net earnings to $2.2 billion.
    Lockheed Martin’s satellite and space transportation net sales increased by 9 percent in the quarter compared to the previous year. The company said sales growth in satellites was due to higher volume in commercial satellite and government satellite activities. The increase in space transportation was due to higher volume on the Orion program in 2009. Combined, the two business units more than offset a decline in Lockheed Martin’s strategic and defensive missile systems unit.
    Lockheed Martin’s total net sales for the third quarter of 2009 were $11.1 billion, up from $10.6 billion in the third quarter of 2008. Cash from operations also increased during the third quarter to $1.4 billion from $1.1 billion in 2008.
    As a result of the quarter, Lockheed Martin increased its outlook for 2010 and anticipates recovering about $1 billion in costs during 2010, with the remainder being recoverable in future years.

    “Our third quarter results keep the corporation on track to achieve full year 2009 operational and financial commitments," Lockheed Martin CEO Bob Stevens, said in a statement.

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