SPACE INDEX COMPANIES INSIGHTS SECTORS PRODUCTS NEWS BLOG ANSWERS RESEARCH ABOUT FOR COMPANIES BUILD / 2026.06.03
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 Iridium Communications Operates a 66-satellite LEO constellation providing pole-to-pole voice, data, IoT, and PNT services via cross-linked L-band satellites Iridium Communications logo
HEAD-TO-HEAD2 shared sectors
AST SpaceMobile Iridium Communications
Founded 2017 2000
Headquarters Midland, Texas, USA McLean, Virginia, USA
Type public public
Status operating operating
Employees 613 680
Total funding
Latest round
Sectors Satellite Communications, Ground Segment & Networks, Satellite Manufacturing Satellite Communications, Ground Segment & Networks, Navigation & Positioning
Products listed 5 6
Federal contracts 10 ($1.12B)
Launches
Leaders listed Abel Avellan, Scott Wisniewski, Andrew Johnson Matthew J. Desch, Vincent J. O'Neill, Suzanne E. McBride
News mentions 1 0
SHARED SECTORS
FREQUENTLY ASKED

How do AST SpaceMobile and Iridium Communications compare?

Both companies work in Satellite Communications, Ground Segment & Networks. AST SpaceMobile was founded in 2017 and Iridium Communications in 2000.

Which is larger, AST SpaceMobile or Iridium Communications?

Iridium Communications reports the larger workforce, with 680 employees versus 613.

Which has more US federal contracts, AST SpaceMobile or Iridium Communications?

Iridium Communications has been awarded more, with $1.12B across 10 awards.

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