Artist rendering of the Capella Space third generation satellite, Acadia. Photo: Capella Space

Quantum computing company IonQ has completed its acquisition of Capella Space, a move it said will support building a space-based satellite quantum key distribution (QKD) network. 

IonQ said the company will “begin developing a space-based QKD network by integrating Capella’s satellite infrastructure with its quantum technology.” IonQ, based in College Park, Maryland, announced the deal in May to Capella, a acquire synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite imagery and analytics provider.

“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 defense, and intelligence missions,” CEO Niccolo de Masi said in a release. 

Capella customers and partners will not experience any disruption to their current work with Capella data and satellite solutions, a representative for Capella Space confirmed to Via Satellite on Tuesday. “The company is committed to providing fast, reliable data to support their on-going missions,” the representative said. 

IonQ added that Capella’s customers will be able to access SAR remote sensing “through the first quantum-enabled Earth observation platform.” 

IonQ did not explain what the acquisition means for Capella’s workforce. The Capella representative said team members are still working for Capella as of Tuesday, including CEO Frank Backes and the leadership team. 

“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,” Backes commented in the release. “We’re excited to be joining the IonQ team on this new journey.”