Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) has secured a $406,478 subcontract to develop quantum computing methods for enhancing space-based LIDAR data analysis at NASA’s Langley Research Center. The award, granted through prime contractor Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA), will fund work until May 2026 and focuses on leveraging QCi’s Dirac-3 quantum computer to address solar noise—a critical issue for reliable daytime atmospheric sensing and Earth observation.
NASA’s current LIDAR systems struggle with sunlight interference during daylight missions, often requiring bulky optical systems to maintain signal-to-noise ratio. QCi’s quantum-based approach aims to improve data quality without increasing payload size, weight, or power requirements. If successful, this could enable NASA to replace high-power lasers or large telescopes with more compact and cost-effective alternatives for missions such as CALIPSO and ICESat-2.
This contract expands QCi’s ongoing collaborations with NASA and affirms its position as a trusted quantum partner for government research. According to CEO Dr. William McGann, the company’s goal is to demonstrate a practical quantum advantage by reducing the complexity and cost of LIDAR missions. The project reflects QCi’s broader mission to deliver real-world quantum solutions in sensing, AI, cybersecurity, and remote observation.
Read the full announcement here.
April 30, 2025
