SPACE INDEX COMPANIES INSIGHTS SECTORS PRODUCTS NEWS BLOG ANSWERS RESEARCH ABOUT FOR COMPANIES BUILD / 2026.06.03
European Space Agency logo European Space Agency Intergovernmental agency coordinating European space programs across science, Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications, and human spaceflight vs United Launch Alliance Manufactures and operates the Vulcan Centaur and Atlas V launch vehicles for national security, NASA, and commercial customers. United Launch Alliance logo
HEAD-TO-HEAD1 shared sector
European Space Agency United Launch Alliance
Founded 1975 2006
Headquarters Paris, France Centennial, Colorado, USA
Type government joint-venture
Status operating operating
Employees 3,739 1,944
Total funding
Latest round
Sectors Planetary Exploration, Earth Observation & Remote Sensing, Launch Services, Navigation & Positioning, Satellite Communications Launch Services, Space Transportation & Logistics
Products listed 8 3
Federal contracts 12 ($6.75B)
Launches 211 (82%)
Leaders listed Josef Aschbacher, Dietmar Pilz, Toni Tolker-Nielsen John Elbon, Mark Peller, Mitch Van Dewerker
News mentions 14 1
SHARED SECTORS
FREQUENTLY ASKED

How do European Space Agency and United Launch Alliance compare?

Both companies work in Launch Services. European Space Agency was founded in 1975 and United Launch Alliance in 2006.

Which is larger, European Space Agency or United Launch Alliance?

European Space Agency reports the larger workforce, with 3,739 employees versus 1,944.

Which has more US federal contracts, European Space Agency or United Launch Alliance?

United Launch Alliance has been awarded more, with $6.75B across 12 awards.

Which has more launches, European Space Agency or United Launch Alliance?

United Launch Alliance leads with 211 tracked launches (82% success rate).

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