IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to advance the development and deployment of quantum technologies in space. The agreement supports the DOE’s Quantum in Space (QIS) initiative and outlines IonQ’s role in demonstrating quantum ground-to-orbit-to-ground capabilities.
Under the agreement, IonQ will provide the design and execution of an orbital demonstration of quantum-secure communications using its satellite platform. This initiative builds on IonQ’s acquisition of space technology company Capella Space in 2025. The collaboration will also explore additional quantum applications in space, including alternate position, navigation, and timing (PNT), time synchronization, quantum networking, and sensing. The MOU provides a framework for exploring a range of quantum capabilities in orbit, including quantum sensing and mapping, and the development and testing of quantum algorithms.
Rima Kasia Oueid, DOE Senior Commercialization Executive, commented that the collaboration is about turning possibility into practice by demonstrating applications like secure quantum communications and expanding America’s role in the space economy. The initiative builds on IonQ’s acquisitions of quantum networking company Qubitekk and Capella Space. IonQ is noted for its current commercial quantum networking system installations with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and the EPB Quantum Center.
Read the full announcement here.
September 17, 2025
