SPACE INDEX COMPANIES INSIGHTS SECTORS PRODUCTS NEWS BLOG ANSWERS RESEARCH ABOUT FOR COMPANIES BUILD / 2026.06.04
AST SpaceMobile logo AST SpaceMobile Operates a space-based cellular broadband network delivering 4G and 5G connectivity directly to standard smartphones via LEO satellites vs Intuitive Machines Designs and operates lunar landers, data relay satellites, and infrastructure services to commercialize access to the Moon Intuitive Machines logo
HEAD-TO-HEAD1 shared sector
AST SpaceMobile Intuitive Machines
Founded 2017 2013
Headquarters Midland, Texas Houston, Texas
Type public public
Status operating operating
Employees 613 349
Total funding
Latest round
Sectors Satellite Communications, Ground Segment & Networks, Satellite Manufacturing Lunar Services, Satellite Communications, Space Transportation & Logistics
Products listed 5 24
Federal contracts 1 ($27.0M)
Launches
Leaders listed Abel Avellan, Scott Wisniewski, Andrew Johnson Stephen Altemus, Dr. Kam Ghaffarian, Dr. Tim Crain
News mentions 1 1
SHARED SECTORS
FREQUENTLY ASKED

How do AST SpaceMobile and Intuitive Machines compare?

Both companies work in Satellite Communications. AST SpaceMobile was founded in 2017 and Intuitive Machines in 2013.

Which is larger, AST SpaceMobile or Intuitive Machines?

AST SpaceMobile reports the larger workforce, with 613 employees versus 349.

Which has more US federal contracts, AST SpaceMobile or Intuitive Machines?

Intuitive Machines has been awarded more, with $27.0M across 1 awards.

Numbers refresh on every render against the live Space Index database. Federal contract data from USAspending.gov; launches from LaunchLibrary2.