SPACE INDEX COMPANIES INSIGHTS SECTORS PRODUCTS NEWS BLOG ANSWERS RESEARCH ABOUT FOR COMPANIES BUILD / 2026.06.04
Iridium Communications logo Iridium Communications Operates a 66-satellite LEO constellation providing pole-to-pole voice, data, IoT, and PNT services via cross-linked L-band satellites vs SES S.A. Operates a multi-orbit fleet of GEO and MEO satellites delivering video distribution, data connectivity, and managed network services to broadcasters, telecom operators, and governments worldwide SES S.A. logo
HEAD-TO-HEAD2 shared sectors
Iridium Communications SES S.A.
Founded 2000 1985
Headquarters McLean, Virginia Luxembourg
Type public public
Status operating operating
Employees 680 2,264
Total funding
Latest round
Sectors Satellite Communications, Ground Segment & Networks, Navigation & Positioning Satellite Communications, Ground Segment & Networks, Space Defense Systems
Products listed 6 53
Federal contracts 10 ($1.12B)
Launches
Leaders listed Matthew J. Desch, Vincent J. O'Neill, Suzanne E. McBride Adel Al-Saleh, Elisabeth A. Pataki, Adam Levy
News mentions 0 0
SHARED SECTORS
FREQUENTLY ASKED

How do Iridium Communications and SES S.A. compare?

Both companies work in Satellite Communications, Ground Segment & Networks. Iridium Communications was founded in 2000 and SES S.A. in 1985.

Which is larger, Iridium Communications or SES S.A.?

SES S.A. reports the larger workforce, with 2,264 employees versus 680.

Which has more US federal contracts, Iridium Communications or SES S.A.?

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.