Iridium Communications Inc., a global satellite communications company, will invest over $13 million to expand its headquarters into a 55,000-square-foot space in Fairfax County, Virginia. The project will support 117 new associates, expanding its Virginia workforce to nearly 400 in the coming years. The new headquarters will expand Iridium’s footprint by 20,000 square feet, from its current 35,000-square-foot space in Fairfax County. Construction is underway and expected to be ready for occupancy in March 2026.
“Iridium is proud to call Fairfax County home to our headquarters, and we appreciate the ongoing support of our state and local leadership,” said Iridium CEO Matt Desch. “Being based in such a centralized location just outside of our nation’s capital has many business-friendly benefits, from a corporate-friendly operating environment and convenience of two nearby major airports, to top institutions of higher education, a strong technology-focused industry presence, and an excellent local talent pipeline.”
“Iridium’s decision to expand its headquarters and create 117 new high-quality jobs in Virginia is a clear signal that the Commonwealth remains the destination of choice for global technology companies,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The proximity and access to top-tier talent, world-class infrastructure and federal partners offers a strategic advantage to companies like Iridium that are redefining innovation and connectivity. We are proud to support Iridium’s growth in Virginia.”
Iridium’s business growth demands a larger headquarters due to its growing revenues and expansion of services, like its ability to protect GPS against spoofing and jamming, and new initiatives to directly connect smartphones and other consumer devices to its satellite constellation. The company’s global customer includes a broad range of industries, including maritime, aviation, government and defense, public safety, utilities, oil and gas, mining, forestry, heavy equipment, and transportation.
“For more than two decades, Iridium has helped position Virginia as a global hub for space and satellite technology,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura. “This latest investment not only demonstrates Iridium’s long-term commitment to Fairfax County, but it also highlights the strength of our regional collaboration and the quality of our tech talent. We’re grateful to our partners at Fairfax County and Virginia Economic Development Partnership for helping make this project a reality.”
Iridium employs 271 people throughout Virginia with 126 of those employees reporting to the headquarters facility. The new positions supported by this expansion also will report to the new headquarters facility.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Fairfax County Economic Development Authority on the project. Governor Youngkin approved a $400,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Fairfax County with this project.
