SPACE INDEX COMPANIES INSIGHTS SECTORS PRODUCTS NEWS BLOG ANSWERS RESEARCH ABOUT FOR COMPANIES BUILD / 2026.06.04
European Space Agency logo European Space Agency Intergovernmental agency coordinating European space programs across science, Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications, and human spaceflight 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
European Space Agency Iridium Communications
Founded 1975 2000
Headquarters Paris, France McLean, Virginia
Type government public
Status operating operating
Employees 3,739 680
Total funding
Latest round
Sectors Planetary Exploration, Earth Observation & Remote Sensing, Launch Services, Navigation & Positioning, Satellite Communications Satellite Communications, Ground Segment & Networks, Navigation & Positioning
Products listed 8 6
Federal contracts 10 ($1.12B)
Launches
Leaders listed Josef Aschbacher, Dietmar Pilz, Toni Tolker-Nielsen Matthew J. Desch, Vincent J. O'Neill, Suzanne E. McBride
News mentions 14 0
SHARED SECTORS
FREQUENTLY ASKED

How do European Space Agency and Iridium Communications compare?

Both companies work in Navigation & Positioning, Satellite Communications. European Space Agency was founded in 1975 and Iridium Communications in 2000.

Which is larger, European Space Agency or Iridium Communications?

European Space Agency reports the larger workforce, with 3,739 employees versus 680.

Which has more US federal contracts, European Space Agency 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.