Expanding Quantum-in-Space Partnership with IonQ, Honeywell, and EPB, the U.S. Department of Energy
The DOE’s Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) announced in September 2025 that it is adding Chattanooga Electric Power Board EPB, Honeywell, and quantum computing leader IonQ to its Quantum-in-Space Collaboration. To promote U.S. leadership in the next generation of space and quantum innovation, this strategic project brings together government, corporate, and academic partners to accelerate quantum technology research and deployment in orbit.
The partnership aims to close the knowledge gap between lab research and practical implementation. “This expansion demonstrates how DOE is bridging the gap between demonstration and deployment by bringing in commercial partners capable of launching lab-proven systems into orbit and creating avenues for market applications,” said Anthony Pugliese, OTC Director, and DOE Chief Commercialization Officer.
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Seeding a “Quantum Sandbox” in Orbit
Through practical application, the expanded alliance aims to move quantum technology from theory to reality. The DOE Senior Commercialization Executive spearheading the partnership, Rima Kasia Oueid, identified “learning by doing” as the initiative’s guiding principle. Secure quantum communications, enhanced quantum position, navigation, and timing (PNT), and quantum sensing are just a few of the potent applications that the partnership will showcase.
“This collaboration will help us seed a quantum sandbox in space to support resource exploration and manufacturing of high-value products leveraging microgravity, as well as explore new capabilities,” Oueid explained. A variety of in-orbit quantum capabilities, such as quantum mapping and the creation of quantum algorithms for satellites, can be investigated using the framework that the new memorandum of understanding (MOU) offers. These initiatives help the DOE, DOD, and NASA achieve their individual mission goals.
IonQ to Lead Orbital Quantum Communications Demonstration
IonQ, a new signatory, has committed to playing a key part in the project by signing an MOU. The company will use its satellite platform to design and implement an orbital demonstration of quantum-secure communications. This demonstration will demonstrate the ability to move from ground to orbit to ground.
“It hopes to show off the capabilities of quantum computing and networking to open up new applications for secure communications by collaborating with the DOE,” said Niccolo de Masi, IonQ’s chairman and CEO. This MOU demonstrates how crucial quantum technologies are becoming to becoming a global leader in cybersecurity and space innovation.
This collaboration expands on IonQ’s recent strategic acquisitions, which had included space technology company Capella in 2025 and quantum networking pioneer Qubitekk in late 2024. Currently, IonQ is the only firm in the United States that provides commercial quantum networking solutions; its systems are already installed at the Electric Power Board EPB Quantum Centre in Chattanooga and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory.
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Honeywell and Electric Power Board EPB
Additionally, Honeywell and Electric Power Board EPB, its other new partners, enhance the partnership. The unique quantum optical payload technology and vast experience in satellite communications will be provided by Honeywell Aerospace Technologies.
Lisa Napolitano, vice president and general manager of space at Honeywell, says security and resilience are top objectives in the space and defense sectors. “The Collaboration will leverage Honeywell’s quantum optical payload technology, expertise in satellite communications, and onboard quantum computing to deliver quantum-secured communications and quantum sensing,” she added.
Critical support for emerging technologies such as quantum satellite-to-ground systems will be provided by Electric Power Board EPB, Chattanooga’s electric power and telecommunications utility. CEO David Wade emphasized that the collaboration will strengthen “Chattanooga’s role as a hub for discoveries with national impact” and ensure the safety and efficiency of the local power infrastructure.
A Growing Coalition for U.S. Quantum Leadership
In addition to Boeing, Axiom Space, Blue Origin, Accenture, and Qrypt, additional partners in the Quantum-in-Space Collaboration now include IonQ, Honeywell, and Electric Power Board EPB. Additional American partners that are dedicated to implementing quantum technologies that improve national security and American competitiveness are still welcome to join the program. A platform for feasibility studies and pilot demonstrations that support national strategic goals, this public-private partnership approach supports the U.S. government’s growing commitment to creating a space-based quantum infrastructure.
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