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 Rocket Lab USA Rocket Lab USA logo
HEAD-TO-HEAD1 shared sector
AST SpaceMobile Rocket Lab USA
Founded 2017 2006
Headquarters Midland, Texas, USA Long Beach, California, USA
Type public public
Status operating operating
Employees 613 1,627
Total funding
Latest round
Sectors Satellite Communications, Ground Segment & Networks, Satellite Manufacturing Launch Services, Satellite Components & Subsystems, Satellite Manufacturing
Products listed 5 16
Federal contracts 1 ($7.0M)
Launches 130 (65%)
Leaders listed Abel Avellan, Scott Wisniewski, Andrew Johnson Sir Peter Beck, Adam Spice, Frank Klein
News mentions 1 0
SHARED SECTORS
FREQUENTLY ASKED

How do AST SpaceMobile and Rocket Lab USA compare?

Both companies work in Satellite Manufacturing. AST SpaceMobile was founded in 2017 and Rocket Lab USA in 2006.

Which is larger, AST SpaceMobile or Rocket Lab USA?

Rocket Lab USA reports the larger workforce, with 1,627 employees versus 613.

Which has more US federal contracts, AST SpaceMobile or Rocket Lab USA?

Rocket Lab USA has been awarded more, with $7.0M across 1 awards.

Which has more launches, AST SpaceMobile or Rocket Lab USA?

Rocket Lab USA leads with 130 tracked launches (65% success rate).

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