SPACE INDEX COMPANIES INSIGHTS SECTORS PRODUCTS NEWS BLOG ANSWERS RESEARCH ABOUT FOR COMPANIES BUILD / 2026.06.04
Intuitive Machines logo Intuitive Machines Designs and operates lunar landers, data relay satellites, and infrastructure services to commercialize access to the Moon 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-HEAD1 shared sector
Intuitive Machines Iridium Communications
Founded 2013 2000
Headquarters Houston, Texas McLean, Virginia
Type public public
Status operating operating
Employees 349 680
Total funding
Latest round
Sectors Lunar Services, Satellite Communications, Space Transportation & Logistics Satellite Communications, Ground Segment & Networks, Navigation & Positioning
Products listed 24 6
Federal contracts 1 ($27.0M) 10 ($1.12B)
Launches
Leaders listed Stephen Altemus, Dr. Kam Ghaffarian, Dr. Tim Crain Matthew J. Desch, Vincent J. O'Neill, Suzanne E. McBride
News mentions 1 0
SHARED SECTORS
FREQUENTLY ASKED

How do Intuitive Machines and Iridium Communications compare?

Both companies work in Satellite Communications. Intuitive Machines was founded in 2013 and Iridium Communications in 2000.

Which is larger, Intuitive Machines or Iridium Communications?

Iridium Communications reports the larger workforce, with 680 employees versus 349.

Which has more US federal contracts, Intuitive Machines 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.