IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) announced November 17, 2025, a definitive agreement to acquire Skyloom Global, a U.S.-based provider of Space Development Agency (SDA)-qualified Optical Communications Terminals (OCTs). Skyloom has delivered nearly 90 OCTs for SDA missions by 2025, demonstrating scalable production of high-performance laser communication systems for satellite-to-satellite and satellite-to-ground links. This acquisition integrates Skyloom’s optical networking capabilities with IonQ’s quantum platform, potentially increasing data throughput by up to 500% and reducing latency from hours to under one hour, thereby accelerating the development of quantum-secure communications and distributed quantum entanglement infrastructure.
IonQ Acquires Skyloom Global: Expanding Quantum Capabilities
IonQ has acquired Skyloom Global, a U.S. leader in high-performance optical communications, to significantly advance its quantum networking capabilities. Skyloom specializes in Optical Communications Terminals (OCTs) – crucial for secure, high-speed data links both on Earth and in orbit. Notably, they’ve already delivered approximately 90 SDA-qualified terminals, demonstrating a scalable production process. This acquisition isn’t just about hardware; it’s about bolstering IonQ’s full-stack approach to quantum-secure communications infrastructure.
The integration of Skyloom’s technology is projected to boost data throughput by up to 500% and reduce latency from hours to under one hour. This improvement is critical for applications demanding real-time data transfer, such as distributed quantum computing and secure communication networks. IonQ now possesses all critical technology layers for distributed quantum entanglement and ultra-secure connectivity, positioning them uniquely within the growing quantum industry.
This deal follows a series of strategic acquisitions by IonQ – including Qubitekk and ID Quantique – solidifying their commitment to building a comprehensive quantum ecosystem. Skyloom’s expertise in optical links complements IonQ’s advancements in quantum computing and sensing. Ultimately, the acquisition aims to accelerate the development of a global quantum internet and deliver more powerful, connected quantum solutions to customers.
Skyloom’s Technology: Optical Communications and Infrastructure
Skyloom specializes in high-performance optical communications terminals (OCTs) – the hardware enabling laser-based data transfer. Crucially, they’ve already delivered approximately 90 SDA-qualified terminals by 2025, demonstrating a scalable production capability. These aren’t just prototypes; they’re flight-ready systems designed for satellite-to-satellite and satellite-to-ground communication. IonQ’s acquisition centers on integrating this proven hardware to bolster its quantum networking ambitions, offering a tangible infrastructure component alongside its quantum computing advances.
This acquisition is expected to dramatically improve data throughput – potentially by up to 500% – and reduce latency in critical applications from hours to under one hour. Skyloom’s optical links form the backbone for secure, high-speed data transmission required for quantum-secure communications and distributed quantum entanglement. This isn’t simply faster data transfer; it’s enabling functionalities vital for building a future quantum internet and secure communication networks.
IonQ now possesses complete control over the critical technology layers needed for distributed quantum entanglement and ultra-secure connectivity through this deal. By combining Skyloom’s optical networking with its existing quantum computing and sensing capabilities, IonQ aims to be a full-stack provider. This vertically integrated approach differentiates IonQ in the emerging quantum technology landscape and positions it to capitalize on the growing demand for secure communication solutions.
Impact on IonQ: Performance and Market Growth
IonQ’s acquisition of Skyloom Global directly impacts performance by boosting data throughput up to 500% and slashing latency from hours to under one hour. This leap in speed is enabled by integrating Skyloom’s high-performance optical communications terminals (OCTs) – of which nearly 90 have already been delivered for Space Development Agency missions – into IonQ’s quantum infrastructure. This isn’t simply faster data transfer; it’s critical for applications requiring real-time quantum processing and secure data exchange, expanding the possibilities for complex simulations and analyses.
The deal fuels IonQ’s market growth by establishing a full-stack offering for quantum-secure communications and distributed quantum entanglement. Owning the entire technology chain – from quantum compute to secure connectivity – uniquely positions IonQ to address growing demand for ultra-secure data transmission, particularly within government and defense sectors. This vertically integrated approach differentiates IonQ from competitors and unlocks new revenue streams beyond quantum computing services alone, expanding its total addressable market.
Furthermore, Skyloom’s demonstrated scalable production of OCT hardware addresses a key bottleneck in quantum networking. IonQ can now reliably deploy quantum entanglement across space and ground infrastructure, moving beyond theoretical possibilities to practical implementation. This capability, combined with recent acquisitions like Qubitekk and ID Quantique, solidifies IonQ’s leadership in building the quantum internet and delivering on its ambitious goal of a 2 million qubit system by 2030.
Future Outlook: Quantum Networking and Connectivity
IonQ’s acquisition of Skyloom Global signals a major push towards practical quantum networking. Skyloom specializes in optical communications terminals (OCTs) – nearly 90 delivered for Space Development Agency missions by 2025 – enabling high-speed laser links between satellites and ground stations. Integrating this technology promises to boost data throughput by up to 500% and reduce latency from hours to under one hour, critical for distributed quantum computing and secure communications relying on quantum key distribution (QKD).
This deal isn’t just about faster data; it’s about building a complete “full-stack” quantum solution. IonQ now controls all layers—from quantum computers (like the IonQ Forte with 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity) to secure communications and the networking infrastructure itself. The company aims for a 2 million qubit system by 2030 and sees quantum networking as vital for scaling these capabilities and enabling applications like enhanced cybersecurity, materials science, and financial modeling.
The implications extend beyond terrestrial networks. Skyloom’s space-qualified OCTs position IonQ to pioneer quantum communications in orbit. This is crucial for creating a truly global and secure quantum internet, resistant to eavesdropping. By combining quantum computing power with robust, high-bandwidth connectivity, IonQ aims to unlock capabilities previously limited by classical infrastructure, ultimately driving a new era of secure and powerful information exchange.
