Latest news with #CapellaSpace
Business Insider
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Quantum Computing News: IonQ's Satellite Push, Rigetti's Chip Milestone, and $100M+ in Deep Tech Funding
Quantum computing is shaping up to be the most dynamic industry of 2025, with larger funds and new breakthroughs emerging almost every week. As Ferris Bueller so eloquently put it: 'Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.' Blink, and another milestone has been reached. This week brought another wave of momentum, including strategic acquisitions, hardware performance gains, deep tech funding rounds, and ambitious global expansion plans. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Make smarter investment decisions with TipRanks' Smart Investor Picks, delivered to your inbox every week. Investors tracking stocks like IonQ (IONQ), Rigetti Computing (RGTI), and companies aligned with AI infrastructure and quantum cybersecurity may want to keep these updates on their radar. IonQ Completes Capella Space Acquisition IonQ, one of the more prominent pure-quantum plays, has finalized its acquisition of Capella Space, setting the stage for a space-based quantum key distribution (QKD) network that merges IonQ's quantum systems with Capella's synthetic aperture radar satellites. The platform will enable quantum-secure global communications and quantum-enhanced Earth observation. Capella customers will gain access to secure, real-time sensing, while IonQ expands its foothold in quantum networking. This follows IonQ's collaborations with ID Quantique, the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security, and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. IONQ stock rose 5% in yesterday's trading. Rigetti Hits 99.5% Fidelity on 36-Qubit Modular Chip Rigetti Computing reported that it has reached a 99.5% median two-qubit gate fidelity on a new modular 36-qubit chiplet system, meeting its mid-year technical milestone. On the back of this milestone, RGTI stock soared 30% in one trading session! The system utilizes four 9-qubit chiplets, reducing gate error rates by half compared to the company's earlier 84-qubit Ankaa-3 platform. Rigetti will launch the new system on August 15 and remains on schedule to deliver a 100+ qubit chiplet system by year-end. The modular approach is designed to support scaling while preserving performance. Raises €62 Million for Photonic AI Chips a Stuttgart-based start-up, secured €62 million in Series A funding to accelerate the rollout of its photonic processors built on Thin-Film Lithium Niobate. The chips offer up to 30× energy savings and 50× performance gains over traditional silicon, targeting artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. Backers include Cherry Ventures, UVC Partners, and The company plans to expand to the United States and scale production of its Native Processing Server, which integrates with current data centers as a co-processor. QpiAI Closes $32 Million Round for Utility-Scale Quantum Systems India-based QpiAI raised $32 million in Series A funding from Avataar Ventures and the National Quantum Mission. The company builds full-stack quantum computers for enterprise applications in materials science and drug discovery. QpiAI operates in India, Finland, and the United States, and is focused on delivering logical-qubit systems to complement its current NISQ solutions. The company's leadership includes over two dozen Ph.D.s from global research institutions, and the new capital will support international growth. SandboxAQ Adds $95 Million to Expand Quantitative AI SandboxAQ, Google's (GOOG) AI-quantum spinoff, has secured $95 million through a secondary funding round led by Rizvi Traverse, bringing its total funding to nearly $1 billion since its 2022 spinout from Alphabet. The company is developing large quantitative models designed to simulate physical systems across various industries, including biopharma, energy, and aerospace. Products include AQBioSim for drug discovery and AQtive Guard for quantum-secure cybersecurity. Investors in prior rounds include Google, NVIDIA (NVDA), and Bridgewater's Ray Dalio. Using TipRanks' Comparison Too l, we've brought together some of the most prominent stocks in the quantum space to see how they stack up. It's a quick way for investors to get a clearer view of each company's position, and a better sense of where the industry is headed overall.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Will IonQ Stock Rise on Capella Space Buyout and Quantum Ambitions?
IonQ. Inc. IONQ, a pioneer in quantum computing, is setting its sights far beyond Earth's surface. With the recent acquisition of Capella Space, a satellite technology firm known for synthetic aperture radar ('SAR') imaging, IonQ is accelerating its bold vision to build the first global space-based quantum key distribution ('QKD') network. The deal positions IonQ to not only lead in quantum computing but also in quantum-secure communications—a sector expected to become increasingly vital for both commercial and defense applications. Capella Acquisition Signals a New Quantum Frontier for IonQ The completed acquisition of Capella Space is not just a strategic expansion—it marks a foundational step toward realizing IonQ's quantum Internet ambitions. By integrating Capella's space-based infrastructure with its quantum hardware and software stack, IonQ is developing a QKD network that promises tamper-proof communication channels between satellites and ground stations. This could prove essential for national defense, cybersecurity, and even financial institutions where absolute data security is space-based QKD architecture would also support new capabilities in Earth observation, enhancing SAR imaging with quantum encryption for ultra-secure data transmission. IonQ's move effectively positions it as the first player in a new category: quantum-enabled geospatial intelligence. According to IonQ CEO Niccolo de Masi, the integration will not only enhance commercial applications but also expand the company's role in global defense and intelligence operations. IonQ's Partnerships Reinforce Strategic Depth Beyond Capella, IonQ has also forged key partnerships that reinforce its long-term vision. Its collaboration with ID Quantique, a leader in quantum-safe cryptography, and its quantum networking contracts with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security highlight the growing demand for IonQ's technology in national security and enterprise use alliances help validate IonQ's platform and increase the likelihood of recurring revenue through long-term government engagements. With security concerns escalating globally and government agencies seeking resilient communications infrastructure, IonQ's offering stands to benefit from rising demand in the public sector. IONQ's Strong Share Price Momentum IonQ shares have surged 61% over the past three months, outpacing the 45.1% gain in the Zacks Computer-Integrated Systems industry and the 30.1% rise in the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector. Even the S&P 500's robust 18.8% climb during the same period has lagged behind IonQ's performance. This momentum reflects investor enthusiasm around IonQ's strategic direction, particularly its leadership in quantum networking and government-backed projects. IONQ 3-Month Share Price Performance Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Yet with this rally comes a note of caution. The stock is currently trading at a lofty forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 97.61, which is significantly higher than the industry average of 3.84. While IonQ operates in a highly specialized frontier market, the steep premium raises questions about whether the stock has already priced in too much of the company's long-term potential. IONQ Valuation Image Source: Zacks Investment Research IONQ's Revenue Outlook and Earnings Trend Despite the sky-high valuation, the company's growth trajectory appears robust. For 2025, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue implies a near doubling year over year, at 97.3% growth. That said, analysts have become slightly more conservative in their projections for profitability. The consensus estimate for 2025's loss per share has widened over the past 30 days, although it still points to a much narrower loss than the $1.56 per share loss reported a year ago. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research This mixed sentiment suggests that investors are optimistic about revenue expansion but remain cautious about when IonQ will turn the corner on profitability. The company continues to invest heavily in R&D and infrastructure, particularly in its quantum-as-a-service (QaaS) and networking initiatives, which may delay earnings upside but could secure a first-mover advantage. Challenges Remain on the Path to Profitability for IonQ While IonQ's technological edge is compelling, the company is still in an early stage of commercial maturity. The quantum computing industry is years away from widespread enterprise adoption, and IonQ must demonstrate its ability to transition from R&D-driven partnerships to scalable, recurring commercial revenue. In the meantime, its burn rate and elevated valuation could limit investor patience if near-term milestones fall the intensifying competition from peers like International Business Machines Corporation IBM, Microsoft Corporation MSFT, and Rigetti Computing, Inc. RGTI could challenge IonQ's leadership if those firms scale more quickly or secure broader ecosystems. IBM's extensive hardware roadmap and global quantum network make it a key rival, while Microsoft's Azure Quantum is gaining traction with hybrid solutions and cloud accessibility. Both IBM and Microsoft have broader platforms and deeper enterprise reach. Rigetti, though smaller, competes closely with IonQ in hardware innovation. While IonQ's space-based QKD provides a differentiator, IBM and Microsoft, mentioned repeatedly in enterprise discussions, remain the more established players with vast resources and client ecosystems. Conclusion IonQ is making bold moves that reflect its ambition to shape the quantum future, from terrestrial computing to orbital communications. The Capella Space acquisition solidifies its leadership in quantum-secure networking and opens a new chapter in space-based infrastructure. With accelerating government interest, a clear roadmap toward the quantum Internet, and strong revenue prospects, IonQ offers a compelling growth with its valuation already stretched and earnings still in the red, investors should remain cautious. IonQ currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), which aligns with a prudent approach — hold the stock and monitor execution, especially as the company integrates Capella and ramps up commercial applications. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) : Free Stock Analysis Report International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) : Free Stock Analysis Report IonQ, Inc. (IONQ) : Free Stock Analysis Report Rigetti Computing, Inc. (RGTI) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
IonQ acquires Capella to boost space-based quantum communications
IonQ, a US-based quantum computing hardware and software company, has completed its acquisition of Capella Space to advance space-based quantum communications. Capella Space, which specialises in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and satellite solutions, will now operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of IonQ. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is part of IonQ's strategy to develop a space-to-space and space-to-ground satellite quantum key distribution (QKD) network. Announced in May 2025, the deal seeks to merge IonQ's quantum computing technology with Capella Space's satellite systems. This is anticipated to enhance IonQ's capability to launch a QKD network for secure communication by preventing encryption key interception or duplication. The move also positions IonQ to play a significant role in building the quantum internet and expanding within the space economy. Following the deal, Capella Space's customers are expected to gain rapid and secure SAR and remote sensing capabilities via the first quantum-enabled Earth observation platform. Capella Space CEO Frank Backes said: '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.' The acquisition complements IonQ's existing partnerships and acquisitions, including those with Qubitekk and ID Quantique. IonQ has also collaborated with institutions such as the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security and the US Air Force Research Laboratory. By utilising long-distance quantum repeaters alongside Capella Space's advanced sensing capabilities, IonQ aims to construct extensive quantum-secure networks. This expanded capacity supports developing sovereign-grade intelligence by integrating orbital sensing with quantum computing, enhancing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance operations for US and allied governments. IonQ CEO Niccolo de Masi said: '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. '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 defence, and intelligence missions.' "IonQ acquires Capella to boost space-based quantum communications" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
BoxMica Becomes Capella Space Certified Analytics Partner to Enhance SAR-derived Information Solutions
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Capella Space Corp., a leading provider of high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, today announced that BoxMica, a defense technology startup specializing in rapid intelligence operations, has become the latest Capella Space (Capella) Certified Analytics Partner. BoxMica is leveraging Capella's extensive, high-quality imagery archive and on-demand tasking to offer advanced motion detection, site monitoring, and aircraft & vessel classification solutions for defense customers. 'We're proud to welcome BoxMica into Capella's Certified Analytics Partner network to support the development of advanced information solutions,' said Frank Backes, CEO of Capella Space. 'Capella's Analytics Partner Program is designed to accelerate the development of cutting-edge AI and machine learning models to broaden access to the novel capabilities of SAR. We find that BoxMica's subject matter expertise is serving a critical need for truly persistent monitoring across diverse defense applications.' BoxMica operates in the U.S. Space Force Global Data Marketplace, supporting the U.S. Space Force Tactical Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Tracking (TacSRT) program. BoxMica is actively tasking Capella's SAR satellites to provide rapid SAR-derived insights to various defense end users and mission partners. Today, BoxMica is using Capella's SAR data to detect and classify aircraft, vehicles, and vessels at strategic sites around the world. The company is also actively incorporating Capella's data to enhance their motion monitoring tools and amplitude change detection offerings. 'At BoxMica, we rely on the highest-quality SAR data and tasking to support defense operations, and Capella Space has been a trusted partner in delivering to us exceptional satellite imagery so that we can provide information and analytics in the tightest of time constraints,' said Derek Tishler, Founder and CEO of BoxMica. 'Their Certified Analytics Partner program, advanced tasking capabilities and dedicated team enable us to extract critical insights with precision, enhancing mission effectiveness in contested environments. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and pushing the boundaries of providing space-based insights together.' Capella's Analytics Partner Program opens access to high-quality, high-resolution SAR data to empower expert SAR analysts to quickly identify state-of-the-art artificial intelligence technology that can be efficiently deployed across a variety of defense and commercial use cases. As a Certified Analytics Partner, BoxMica has long-term access to Capella's global image archive and rapid tasking capabilities to refine its information-gathering solutions. About BoxMica: BoxMica is an American defense technology company specializing in advanced analytical imagery and RF sensing solutions for government and commercial applications. As an experienced vendor in near-real time intelligence operations, BoxMica delivers precision-driven insights by fusing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), RF, electro-optical (EO), and other top commercial space data. BoxMica's deep expertise in SAR processing has evolved into RF exploitation, driven by real-world demand for enhanced electronic sensing and warfare capabilities. BoxMica's proprietary technology transforms raw data into visually compelling, mission-ready reports, enabling rapid decision-making across multiple domains. Headquartered on Florida's Space Coast in Melbourne, BoxMica is at the forefront of innovation in space-based information and advanced RF operations. About Capella Space: Capella Space is an American space tech company with data and satellite solutions for government and commercial use. A leader in the Earth observation industry, Capella is the first U.S. company to design, build and operate a global constellation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, delivering high quality, high resolution SAR imagery. Its market-leading SAR satellites are matched with a fully automated Tasking system and adaptable sensor technologies to quickly deliver reliable global insights that provide global transparency for our evolving planet. Capella is headquartered in San Francisco, California with additional locations in Denver, Colorado and Washington, D.C.
The Independent
05-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Operation Spiderweb: Satellite images show Russian bombers destroyed in massive Ukrainian drone attack
The impact of Ukraine 's audacious drone attack deep inside Russia over the weekend has been captured in satellite imagery which suggests a number of strategic bombers were severely damaged or outright destroyed. Carried out on Sunday, 'Operation Spiderweb' was planned out over the course of 18 months and executed by Ukraine's SBU security service. It saw truckloads of drones smuggled thousands of kilometres into Russian territory before they were unleashed close to airbases to destroy as many aircraft as possible, officials in Kyiv said. In a rare confirmation of such losses, Russia said Ukraine attacked airfields across five regions, causing several aircraft to catch fire. 'The attacks occurred in the Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions. Air defences repelled the assaults in all but two regions, Murmansk and Irkutsk,' Moscow's defence ministry claimed on Sunday. New satellite images from Capella Space, a satellite company, took a before-and-after view of the airfield located in Irkutsk, a Siberian region. The images from 2 June, a day after Ukraine's operation, feature the dismantled debris and ashen remains of several aircraft located along the runway of the Belaya military air base or parked in protective revetments nearby. The latest images are from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites which direct energy beams at the Earth and detect echoes, allowing identification of small topographical details. Experts have said that the destruction seen in these images confirm Russia suffered the loss of multiple aircraft. "Based on the debris visible, comparison to recent satellite images and released drone footage from Telegram posted to Twitter, I can see the destruction of several aircraft," said John Ford, a research associate at the California-based James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies. He added that the SAR satellite imagery seen by him purportedly shows the remnants of two destroyed Tu-22 Backfires – long-range, supersonic strategic bombers that have been used to launch missile strikes against Ukraine. The SAR images and the footage of the strikes posted on social media also indicated that four strategic Tu-95 heavy bombers had been destroyed or severely damaged, Mr Ford added. In Kyiv, Ukraine's SBU security agency said that the operation resulted in the loss of a total of 41 Russian warplanes. Explosive-laden drones were hidden in the roofs of wooden sheds, which were then loaded onto trucks and driven to the perimeter of the air bases, according to a Ukrainian security official. The roof panels of the sheds were lifted off by a remotely-activated mechanism, allowing the drones to fly out and begin their attack, the official said. The Independent has not verified the claims. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky called the attack 'absolutely brilliant', lauding the operation which hit Russian targets up to 4,300km (2,670 miles) from the war's frontline. The preliminary assessment from the Ukrainian military confirmed damages to 12 additional aircraft after the operation over the weekend. "After processing additional information from various sources and verifying it ... we report that the total (Russian) losses amounted to 41 military aircraft, including strategic bombers and other types of combat aircraft," the SBU said in an update. It added that the damage amounted to $7bn, and 34 per cent of the strategic cruise missile carriers at Russia's main airfields were hit.
