Lockheed Martin‘s Space Systems segment posted a sales increase of 17 percent in the third quarter 2005, while operating profit jumped 36 percent, the company announced Oct. 25.

Space Systems sales improved from $1.4 billion in the third quarter 2004 to $1.7 billion in the third quarter 2005, which ended Sept. 30. Lockheed Martin attributed the gains to sales growth in Satellites and Strategic & Defensive Missile Systems, mainly driven by higher volume on government satellite programs. The gains offset declines in Launch Services due to lower volume on the Titan program, which performed its final mission in October, and NASA‘s external tank program.

Operating profit in Space Systems was $154 million in the third quarter 2005, compared to $113 million in the third quarter 2004. In Satellites, higher volume and improved performance on government satellite programs offset declines in commercial satellites, while Launch Services contributed to the gain in operating profit due to improved performance on the Atlas and Proton launch vehicle programs.

Overall, Lockheed Martin Corp. posted a $427 million profit in the third quarter 2005, up 39 percent from third quarter 2004 earnings of $307 million. Sales improved 9 percent throughout the same period, from $8.4 billion to $9.2 billion, with all five of the company’s operating segments posting gains.