SPACE INDEX COMPANIES INSIGHTS SECTORS PRODUCTS NEWS BLOG ANSWERS RESEARCH ABOUT FOR COMPANIES BUILD / 2026.06.04
Astranis logo Astranis 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
Astranis Iridium Communications
Founded 2015 2000
Headquarters California McLean, Virginia
Type private public
Status operating operating
Employees 423 680
Total funding $754M
Latest round Series D
Sectors Satellite Communications, Navigation & Positioning, Satellite Manufacturing Satellite Communications, Ground Segment & Networks, Navigation & Positioning
Products listed 4 6
Federal contracts 1 ($7.5M) 10 ($1.12B)
Launches
Leaders listed John Gedmark, Ryan McLinko, Mark Mesler Matthew J. Desch, Vincent J. O'Neill, Suzanne E. McBride
News mentions 12 0
SHARED SECTORS
FREQUENTLY ASKED

How do Astranis and Iridium Communications compare?

Both companies work in Satellite Communications, Navigation & Positioning. Astranis was founded in 2015 and Iridium Communications in 2000.

Which is larger, Astranis or Iridium Communications?

Iridium Communications reports the larger workforce, with 680 employees versus 423.

Which has more US federal contracts, Astranis 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.