Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced that Iridium Communications Inc. will expand its headquarters in Fairfax County, Virginia. The satellite communications company plans to invest over $13 million in a 55,000-square-foot space, creating 117 new jobs and increasing its Virginia workforce to nearly 400.
Governor Youngkin stated, “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.” He emphasized the strategic advantages offered by Virginia’s talent pool and infrastructure.
The expansion is driven by Iridium’s business growth and increased demand for services such as GPS protection against spoofing and jamming. The new headquarters will be located at 1676 International Drive, expanding from their current 35,000-square-foot space. Construction is underway with completion expected by March 2026.
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura remarked on Iridium’s impact: “For more than two decades, Iridium has helped position Virginia as a global hub for space and satellite technology.”
Iridium CEO Matt Desch expressed appreciation for the support from state and local leadership: “Being based in such a centralized location just outside of our nation’s capital has many business-friendly benefits.”
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay highlighted the significance of this expansion: “This significant headquarters expansion reaffirms Fairfax County’s status as the center of gravity for space innovation.”
The project received assistance from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. Governor Youngkin approved a $400,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to support this initiative.
Senator Saddam Salim commented on Tysons’ economic role: “Tysons continues to be an economic driver of the Commonwealth because of our world-class workforce.”
VEDP will also support job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), which provides funding for recruitment and training activities.
