IonQ Announces Plans for First Space-Based Quantum Key Distribution Network

Business Wire

07-05-2025

COLLEGE PARK, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leading commercial quantum computing and networking company, today announced plans to launch a global space-to-space and space-to-ground satellite quantum key distribution (QKD) network, highlighting its ambitions to be the first company to have both a quantum network and quantum computer in space. To facilitate development of this network, IonQ has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Capella Space Corporation, a signals platform leader for top-secret government and commercial applications. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025 subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals.
Building on IonQ's recent acquisition of Qubitekk, a leading quantum networking company, and ID Quantique, SA, a global leader in quantum-safe networking and quantum detection systems, and IonQ's recently announced memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Intellian Technologies, Inc., a global provider of satellite communication antennas and ground gateway solutions, the acquisition of Capella will deepen and accelerate IonQ's quantum networking leadership. The acquisition will also expand IonQ's quantum computing partnerships with US top-secret agencies through Capella's Facility Security Clearance.
'We have an exceptional opportunity to accelerate our vision for the quantum internet, where global Quantum Key Distribution will play a foundational role in enabling secure communications,' said Niccolo de Masi, CEO of IonQ. 'Through our announced acquisitions of Lightsynq and Capella today, and the work we'll do with Intellian, IonQ is well positioned to lead the next-generation quantum internet.'
QKD secures communications by leveraging quantum technologies to ensure that encryption keys cannot be intercepted or copied without detection. Historically, QKD has been limited to deployment at smaller distances. By leveraging long-distance quantum repeaters from Lightsynq combined with Capella's top-secret signals capabilities, IonQ expects to build global quantum-secure networks.
'Space is the next frontier for IonQ's leadership in quantum computing, quantum networking, and ultra-secure environments,' said Frank Backes, CEO of Capella. 'Quantum technologies have the potential to revolutionize space-based operations by enabling ultra-secure communications that transmit data to and from platforms with unmatched security. Capella's advanced platform and proven constellation will integrate with IonQ's quantum capabilities to enhance analytics, sensors, and security to bolster commercial applications and global defense and intelligence missions.'
This acquisition will strengthen IonQ's position in advancing quantum networking technologies that are essential for building the quantum internet and supporting infrastructure development in the space economy. It will also build on recent defense and intelligence momentum, including a quantum networking contract with the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) and agreements with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to deploy a quantum networking system at its Rome, New York, facility. Additionally, IonQ recently signed a $22 million partnership with EPB, a leading energy and communications provider in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to launch the nation's first quantum computing and networking hub.
About IonQ
IonQ, Inc. is a leader in the quantum computing and networking industries, delivering high-performance systems aimed at solving the world's largest and most complex commercial and research use cases. IonQ's current generation quantum computers, IonQ Forte and IonQ Forte Enterprise, are the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems, boasting 36 algorithmic qubits. The company's innovative technology and rapid growth were recognized in Newsweek's 2025 Excellence Index 1000, Forbes' 2025 Most Successful Mid-Cap Companies list, and Built In's 2025 100 Best Midsize Places to Work in Washington DC and Seattle, respectively. Available through all major cloud providers, IonQ is making quantum computing more accessible and impactful than ever before. Learn more at IonQ.com.
IonQ Ownership
Upon closing of the transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions including the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, Capella Space will become a wholly owned subsidiary of IonQ. Capella will use its advanced sensing capabilities, among other assets, to support the development of sovereign-grade intelligence capabilities that fuse orbital sensing, quantum computing, and secure networks for an AI-augmented Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) stack for the U.S. and allied governments. Following closing of the transaction, CEO of Capella, Frank Backes, will lead IonQ's quantum-space initiatives.
Advisors
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is serving as legal advisor to IonQ. Citi is serving as exclusive financial advisor and Freshfields LLP is serving as legal advisor to Capella Space.
IonQ Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the words 'accelerate,' 'advancing,' 'ambition,' 'deepen,' 'enable,' 'encourage,' 'expanding,' 'opportunity,' 'plans,' 'well positioned,' 'will' and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include those related to IonQ's future acquisition of Capella Space Corporation and its acquisition of, and partnerships with, other quantum computing companies and the expected benefits of such acquisitions and partnerships, as well as IonQ's quantum computing capabilities and plans for the future. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections, and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to uncertainties as to the timing to consummate the potential acquisition of Capella; the risk that a condition to closing the acquisition may not be satisfied; the risk that regulatory approvals are not obtained or are obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated by the parties; IonQ's ability to achieve the benefits from the proposed transaction and effectively integrate Capella in its operations. IonQ's ability to implement its technical roadmap; changes in the competitive industries in which IonQ operates, including development of competing technologies; IonQ's ability to deliver, and customers' ability to generate, value from IonQ's offerings; IonQ's ability to deliver higher speed and fidelity gates with fewer errors, enhance information transfer and network accuracy, or reduce noise and errors; IonQ's ability to sell effectively to government entities and large enterprises; changes in laws and regulations affecting IonQ's and its suppliers' businesses; IonQ's ability to implement its business plans, forecasts, roadmaps and other expectations, to identify and realize partnerships and opportunities, and to engage new and existing customers; IonQ's ability to effectively enter new markets; IonQ's ability to deliver services and products within currently anticipated timelines; IonQ's inability to attract and retain key personnel; IonQ's inability to effectively integrate its acquisitions of Qubitekk, Inc. and ID Quantique, SA; IonQ's customers deciding or declining to extend contracts into new phases; the inability of IonQ's suppliers to deliver components that meet expectations timely; changes in U.S. government spending or policy that may affect IonQ's customers; and risks associated with U.S. government sales, including availability of funding and provisions that allow the government to unilaterally terminate or modify contracts for convenience; changes in laws and regulations affecting IonQ's patents; and IonQ's ability to maintain or obtain patent protection for its products and technology, including with sufficient breadth to provide a competitive advantage. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's filings, including but not limited to those described in the 'Risk Factors' section of IonQ's most recent periodic financial report (Forms 10-Q or 10-K) filed by IonQ with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and IonQ assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. IonQ does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.