segment includes awe and our share of earnings for our investment in ula , which provides expendable launch services to the u.s . government . space systems 2019 operating results included the following ( in millions ) : .
what were average net sales for space systems in millions between 2014 and 2016?
2016 compared to 2015 space systems 2019 net sales in 2016 increased $ 304 million , or 3% ( 3 % ) , compared to 2015 . the increase was attributable to net sales of approximately $ 410 million from awe following the consolidation of this business in the third quarter of 2016 ; and approximately $ 150 million for commercial space transportation programs due to increased launch-related activities ; and approximately $ 70 million of higher net sales for various programs ( primarily fleet ballistic missiles ) due to increased volume . these increases were partially offset by a decrease in net sales of approximately $ 340 million for government satellite programs due to decreased volume ( primarily sbirs and muos ) and the wind-down or completion of mission solutions programs . space systems 2019 operating profit in 2016 increased $ 118 million , or 10% ( 10 % ) , compared to 2015 . the increase was primarily attributable to a non-cash , pre-tax gain of approximately $ 127 million related to the consolidation of awe ; and approximately $ 80 million of increased equity earnings from joint ventures ( primarily ula ) . these increases were partially offset by a decrease of approximately $ 105 million for government satellite programs due to lower risk retirements ( primarily sbirs , muos and mission solutions programs ) and decreased volume . adjustments not related to volume , including net profit booking rate adjustments , were approximately $ 185 million lower in 2016 compared to 2015 . 2015 compared to 2014 space systems 2019 net sales in 2015 decreased $ 97 million , or 1% ( 1 % ) , compared to 2014 . the decrease was attributable to approximately $ 335 million lower net sales for government satellite programs due to decreased volume ( primarily aehf ) and the wind-down or completion of mission solutions programs ; and approximately $ 55 million for strategic missile and defense systems due to lower volume . these decreases were partially offset by higher net sales of approximately $ 235 million for businesses acquired in 2014 ; and approximately $ 75 million for the orion program due to increased volume . space systems 2019 operating profit in 2015 decreased $ 16 million , or 1% ( 1 % ) , compared to 2014 . operating profit increased approximately $ 85 million for government satellite programs due primarily to increased risk retirements . this increase was offset by lower operating profit of approximately $ 65 million for commercial satellite programs due to performance matters on certain programs ; and approximately $ 35 million due to decreased equity earnings in joint ventures . adjustments not related to volume , including net profit booking rate adjustments and other matters , were approximately $ 105 million higher in 2015 compared to 2014 . equity earnings total equity earnings recognized by space systems ( primarily ula ) represented approximately $ 325 million , $ 245 million and $ 280 million , or 25% ( 25 % ) , 21% ( 21 % ) and 24% ( 24 % ) of this business segment 2019s operating profit during 2016 , 2015 and backlog backlog increased in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to the addition of awe 2019s backlog . backlog decreased in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to lower orders for government satellite programs and the orion program and higher sales on the orion program . trends we expect space systems 2019 2017 net sales to decrease in the mid-single digit percentage range as compared to 2016 , driven by program lifecycles on government satellite programs , partially offset by the recognition of awe net sales for a full year in 2017 versus a partial year in 2016 following the consolidation of awe in the third quarter of 2016 . operating profit .