\nIonQ (NYSE: IONQ<\/a>), the leader in the quantum computing and networking industries, today announced the signing of 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\u2019s growing Quantum in Space (QIS) initiative and outlines IonQ\u2019s role in demonstrating quantum ground-to-orbit-to-ground capabilities.<\/p>\n
\nUnder the agreement, IonQ will provide the design and execution of an orbital demonstration of quantum-secure communications using its satellite platform. The collaboration will also explore additional quantum applications in space, including alternate position, navigation, and timing, time synchronization, quantum networking, and sensing.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cBy working alongside the DOE, we aim to demonstrate the power of quantum computing and networking to enable new applications for secure communications,\u201d said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ. \u201cThis MOU reflects the growing importance of quantum technologies in achieving global leadership in space innovation and cybersecurity.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe MOU provides a framework for exploring a range of quantum capabilities in orbit, including: quantum-secure communication demonstrations, QIS demonstrations in orbit such as quantum sensing and mapping, deployed position, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems, as well as development and testing of quantum algorithms and eventually quantum computing on satellites. IonQ\u2019s initial focus will be the demonstration of quantum-secure networking using its satellite assets.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThis Collaboration is about turning possibility into practice and learning by doing,\u201d said Rima Kasia Oueid, DOE Senior Commercialization Executive and lead architect of the Quantum-in-Space Collaboration. \u201cBy bringing in new partners, we are accelerating commercialization, demonstrating applications like secure quantum communications, advanced quantum PNT, and quantum sensing, and expanding America\u2019s role in the space economy. This collaboration will help us seed a quantum sandbox in space to support resource exploration and manufacturing of high-value products.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe initiative builds on IonQ\u2019s acquisitions of quantum networking pioneer Qubitekk<\/a> in late 2024, and space technology company Capella<\/a> in 2025. IonQ is the only U.S. quantum computing company currently delivering commercial quantum networking systems, including installations with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory<\/a> and the EPB Quantum Center<\/a>SM<\/a> in Chattanooga, Tennessee.<\/p>\n \nThis collaboration reinforces IonQ\u2019s leadership at the intersection of quantum and aerospace innovation and highlights the U.S. government\u2019s growing investment in space-based quantum infrastructure.<\/p>\n \nAbout IonQ<\/p>\n \nIonQ, Inc.<\/a> [NYSE: IONQ] is the leading commercial quantum computing and quantum networking company, delivering high-performance systems aimed at solving the world\u2019s most complex problems. IonQ\u2019s current generation quantum computers, IonQ Forte<\/a> and IonQ Forte Enterprise<\/a>, are the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners such as Amazon Web Services, AstraZeneca, and NVIDIA<\/a> achieve 20x performance results.<\/p>\n \nThe company is accelerating its technology roadmap and intends to deliver the world\u2019s most powerful quantum computers with 2 million qubits by 2030 to accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. IonQ\u2019s advancements in quantum networking also position the company as a leader in building the quantum internet.<\/p>\n \nThe company\u2019s innovative technology and rapid growth were recognized in Newsweek\u2019s 2025 Excellence Index 1000, Forbes\u2019 2025 Most Successful Mid-Cap<\/a> Companies list, and Built In\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n \nIonQ Forward-Looking Statements<\/p>\n \nThis 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 \u201caim,\u201d \u201ccan,\u201d \u201cexplore,\u201d \u201cexploring,\u201d \u201cgrowing,\u201d \u201cwill,\u201d and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include those related to the IonQ\u2019s quantum computing, networking, and security capabilities and plans, and the effectiveness and future impacts of IonQ\u2019s offerings. 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: IonQ\u2019s ability to implement its technical roadmap; changes in the competitive industries in which IonQ operates, including development of competing technologies; IonQ\u2019s ability to deliver, and customers\u2019 ability to generate, value from IonQ\u2019s offerings; IonQ\u2019s inability to effectively integrate its acquisitions of Qubitekk, Inc., Lightsync Technologies, Inc., and Capella Space Corporation, and ID Quantique, SA, and to close its acquisitions of Oxford Ionics Limited; changes in U.S. government spending or policy, 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. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company\u2019s filings, including but not limited to those described in the \u201cRisk Factors\u201d section of IonQ’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and reports on Form 10-Q. 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.<\/p>\n View source version on businesswire.com: https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20250917726512\/en\/<\/a><\/p>\n \nIonQ Media contact:<\/p>\n
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press@ionq.co<\/a><\/p>\n