IonQ’s quantum space division wins $25.6M radar imagery contract

Capella, an IonQ company, will provide the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery and data services under the Radar Commercial Augmentation program. The contract enables Capella to deliver all-weather, day-and-night high-resolution Earth observation data supporting U.S. national security missions and data-driven decision-making. “Our SAR capabilities are built for the mission demands of government customers who need reliable, timely intelligence in complex operating environments,” said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ. The contract was awarded in 2026.

Capella Wins NRO Contract for Commercial SAR Imagery

Capella, an IonQ company, secured a contract from the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) through the Radar Commercial Augmentation program, demonstrating substantial government reliance on privately sourced Earth observation data. The agreement expands IonQ’s involvement in national security initiatives and solidifies Capella’s role as a key provider of advanced technologies to U.S. government entities. Through the RCA program, Capella will provide commercial radar imagery, validating the importance of commercial SAR as a resilient source of Earth observation for government missions.

IonQ’s broader quantum platform, including its newest generation computer, the IonQ Tempo, has demonstrated a 20-fold performance increase over previous quantum solutions, benefiting customers in fields ranging from drug discovery to cybersecurity. In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, a world record in quantum computing performance, which underpins Capella’s SAR capabilities and commitment to advanced technologies.