IonQ Completes Acquisition of Capella Space
Insider Brief
- IonQ has completed its acquisition of Capella Space to begin developing a space-based quantum key distribution (QKD) network for secure global communications.
- The combined platform will integrate IonQ’s quantum technology with Capella’s satellite infrastructure to enable quantum-secure data transfer and quantum-enhanced Earth observation capabilities.
- The move expands IonQ’s quantum networking efforts, following partnerships with ID Quantique, ARLIS, and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory.
PRESS RELEASE — IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leading commercial quantum computing and networking company, today announced the completion of its acquisition of Capella Space Corporation, an American space tech company with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and satellite solutions for government and commercial applications.
The closing marks a significant step in IonQ’s mission to develop the world’s first space-to-space and space-to-ground satellite quantum key distribution (QKD) network, enabling quantum-secure global communications.
With the acquisition now finalized, IonQ will begin developing a space-based QKD network by integrating Capella’s satellite infrastructure with its quantum technology. Once complete, this QKD network will enable secure communications that prevents encryption keys from being intercepted or copied without detection. It will also serve as a platform for additional quantum networking and sensing growth vectors. Capella customers will have access to rapid, ultra-secure SAR and remote sensing through the first quantum-enabled Earth observation platform.
“We have an exceptional opportunity to accelerate our vision for the quantum internet, where global QKD will play a foundational role in enabling secure communications,” said Niccolo de Masi, CEO of IonQ. “The integration of Capella’s advanced space-based platform and proven constellation of deployed satellites – along with IonQ’s quantum technologies – is expected to bolster commercial applications, global defense, and intelligence missions.”
“Capella has been a long-time pioneer in space technology and we can now take actionable steps to push the boundaries further by building the first quantum-enabled Earth observation platform,” said Frank Backes, CEO of Capella. “We’re excited to be joining the IonQ team on this new journey.”
This acquisition, along with the previously announced ID Quantique agreement, strengthens IonQ’s position in advancing quantum networking technologies that are essential for building the quantum internet. This news builds on recent quantum networking contracts with the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
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Matt Swayne
With a several-decades long background in journalism and communications, Matt Swayne has worked as a science communicator for an R1 university for more than 12 years, specializing in translating high tech and deep tech for the general audience. He has served as a writer, editor and analyst at The Quantum Insider since its inception. In addition to his service as a science communicator, Matt also develops courses to improve the media and communications skills of scientists and has taught courses.
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MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE
IonQ
IonQ is a developer in trapped ion quantum computing founded in 2015 that actively applies its technology to the aerospace and defense sectors. The company empowers satellite-based quantum networks and quantum enabled drones to improve positioning, navigation, and timing resilience in GPS denied environments, and collaborates with industry leaders like Airbus to optimize aircraft loading.
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![Capella Space [Acquired by IonQ]](https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/tqd.s3.bucket/metaverse/logo/Capella%20Space.png){kind=logo}
Capella Space [Acquired by IonQ]
Capella Space is an American aerospace and information services company specializing in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Earth observation satellites. It was founded in March 2016 to provide all-weather, day-and-night imagery to government and commercial clients. In July 2025, Capella Space was acquired by IonQ.
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![ID Quantique [Acquired by IonQ]](https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/tqd.s3.bucket/prod/images/id_quantique_acquired_by_ionq.jpg)
ID Quantique [Acquired by IonQ]
ID Quantique is a global company focused in quantum cryptography and sensing founded in 2001 as a spin-off from the University of Geneva. The company provides ECSS certified quantum random number generators and opto-pyrotechnic controls for launchers like Ariane 6. It was acquired by IonQ in May 2025.
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Air Force Research Laboratory Quantum Group
The Air Force Research Laboratory is partnering with industry, academia, and the Department of Defense to apply quantum information science to Air Force concerns. AFRL has formally joined the IBM Q Network, the first ever partnership of its kind in the Department of Defense. This alliance will provide AFRL and its collaborators with access to commercial quantum systems to explore practical applications relevant to the Air Force. Early applications include optimization problems, speed-up of machine learning algorithms and quantum chemistry simulation. The Extreme Computing facility by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is now open in New York. It is involved in quantum computing research, ranging from development, integration and deployment of advanced computing technologies for the Department of the Air Force. The AFRL Information Directorate received funding for five major projects. They include: 1. $10 million for Distributed Quantum Networking Testbed and Quantum Cloud Computing Environment, 2. $4 million for Photonic Quantum Computing, which will develop a next-generation ion trap computer. 3. $10 million for Enhancements and Operational Readiness improvements for Trusted DoD/Federal Unmanned Aircraft Systems. This system will manage UAS traffic to support the emerging Federal Aviation Administration/National Aeronautics and Space Administration Advanced Air Mobility vision and provide a real-time interface to Air Traffic Control. 4. $10 million for a Joint All-Domain Command and Control testbed which creates an operational-like environment that allows the warfighter to test cutting-edge technology and tools and provide feedback for researchers. 5. $10 million for a Multi-Domain Radio Frequency Spectrum Test environment. Total government funding involved in the AFRL currently amounts to ~$44 million USD.
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