Insider Brief
- INNOSPACE and Norma signed an MOU to explore space-based quantum computing, including an in-orbit demonstration of a quantum processing unit (QPU) payload and collaboration on future commercial and research initiatives.
- The companies plan to test Norma’s QPU-based quantum computing hardware in space using INNOSPACE’s HANBIT launch vehicle to evaluate its operability and stability in an actual orbital environment.
- The partnership also includes plans to pursue government-funded R&D projects and explore the creation of a Space Quantum Computing Center focused on processing and analyzing space-generated data using quantum and cloud computing technologies.
- Image: Hyunchul Jung, CEO of Norma (left) and Soojong Kim, Founder and CEO of INNOSPACE (right) pose with a QPU in front of the HANBIT launch vehicle. (INNOSPACE)
PRESS RELEASE — INNOSPACE announced today that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Norma, a Korean quantum computing technology company, to explore cooperation in space-based quantum computing technologies and related business development.
Under the MOU, the two companies agreed to cooperate in three key areas: an in-orbit technology demonstration of Norma’s QPU-based quantum computing payload using INNOSPACE’s HANBIT launch vehicle; business collaboration for the establishment of a Space Quantum Computing Center; and the joint pursuit of government-funded projects and R&D programs. Specific details, including the launch schedule, payload integration approach, and mission scope, will be further defined through subsequent technical and business discussions.
The partnership is intended to assess the feasibility of applying next-generation quantum computing technologies to the space domain, where demand for high-performance computation and large-scale data processing continues to increase. As satellite constellations, space-based services, and mission operations become more complex, the need for advanced computational capabilities is growing across areas such as satellite data processing, mission planning, orbital resource optimization, and secure communications.
Through this collaboration, INNOSPACE and Norma plan to conduct an in-orbit demonstration by integrating a QPU-based quantum computing payload with the HANBIT launch vehicle and verifying the operability of quantum computing hardware in an actual space environment. Based on the demonstration results, the two companies aim to expand cooperation into space data processing and establish a foundation for a Space Quantum Computing Center. The Space Quantum Computing Center is envisioned as a next-generation space data infrastructure designed to process and analyze space-generated data by leveraging quantum algorithms and cloud-based computing technologies. The center is expected to support advanced applications such as satellite operations optimization, space mission data analysis, and the broader utilization of space-derived information.
Founded in 2011, Norma is a Korean company specializing in quantum computing. Through its proprietary Q Platform, a quantum program development and execution environment, the company provides quantum computing software and cloud services, enabling companies, institutions, and researchers to access advanced quantum computing resources through domestic and global quantum computing infrastructure. Norma has recently been expanding its cloud service ecosystem through partnerships with KT Cloud and Kakao Enterprise, while broadening the application of its technologies across multiple industries, including bio, finance, space, defense, and gaming.
“The in-orbit demonstration of QPU-based quantum computing hardware with INNOSPACE will mark an important step toward verifying the stability and operability of quantum computing technology in an actual space environment,” said Hyunchul Jung, CEO of Norma. “Starting with this cooperation, we will continue to pursue joint R&D and follow-up business collaboration to create tangible outcomes in the development of space-quantum convergence technologies.”
“As demand for in-space technology demonstration continues to grow, launch vehicles are evolving beyond satellite transportation into critical infrastructure that enables the validation and commercialization of advanced technologies across sectors such as bio/pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, communications, and AI,” said Soojong Kim, Founder and CEO of INNOSPACE. “Through our cooperation with Norma, we will pursue the in-orbit demonstration of QPU-based quantum computing hardware and continue to identify new application areas and business opportunities at the intersection of space and advanced computing technologies.”
