IonQ (IONQ) has signed a deal to acquire Skyloom Global, a private company that builds space-based optical communication systems. The announcement was made by IonQ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Niccolò de Masi during an interview on CNBC.
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Skyloom brings optical tech that can move large amounts of data between satellites and Earth. The move fits into IonQ’s broader plan to create a secure global network for quantum key distribution, or QKD. This type of network can help protect sensitive data across air, land, sea, and space.
“We entered an agreement just recently to acquire a company called Skyloom,” de Masi said. “This is building on our investments in quantum networking and signals, both on the ground and in space.” According to the company, IonQ is putting together a full platform that connects quantum computing, secure communication, and advanced sensors. The Skyloom deal adds to that mix by handling real-time, orbital data flow. That strengthens IonQ’s ability to support long-range networks with high security.
Meanwhile, IONQ shares dropped 1.72% on Tuesday, closing at $54.42.
Adding Pieces to the Quantum Stack
This deal is part of a string of recent IonQ acquisitions. Earlier this year, IonQ acquired Qubitekk, a company focused on quantum networking. In May, it took a controlling stake in ID Quantique, a Swiss firm that develops quantum-safe cryptography and sensing tools.
In June, IonQ agreed to buy Oxford Ionics, a British quantum computing company, for around $1.1 billion. It also acquired Lightsynq Technologies, which develops photonic interconnects and quantum memory. Then in July, IonQ completed its purchase of Capella Space, a satellite company that supports QKD from orbit. In September, it added Vector Atomic, which builds sensors for navigation and timing.
Skyloom, founded in 2017, has worked on building what it calls a “fiberless internet” using space optics. The company has secured government contracts in the U.S. and has launched systems into both low and high Earth orbits. It also runs a manufacturing plant in Colorado. Altogether, these moves support IonQ’s plan to lead not only in quantum computing, but also in the broader infrastructure that connects and protects it.
Revenue, Funding, and Market Reach
IonQ says it is among the few quantum companies with real revenue growth. The company raised its 2025 guidance to $110 million. It also says it has doubled revenue every year since it went public in 2021.
IonQ has raised about $3.5 billion this year alone. Roughly $2 billion came in the past six weeks, according to de Masi. This funding gives the company a runway to invest in more tech and expand global coverage. “We have more ways to land and expand than any quantum company in history,” de Masi told CNBC.
IonQ has also formed new partnerships to expand its network. One example is a project with Tennessee’s EPB in Chattanooga, where IonQ is creating a quantum computing and networking hub. Another is with the University of Chicago, which is helping deploy a local quantum computer and communication system.
From here, IonQ plans to keep expanding its footprint across computing, sensing, and secure communication. With Skyloom, the company gains stronger access to space-based networks, which may become key to building quantum systems that work on a global scale.
Is IONQ Stock a Buy?
On the Street, IonQ holds a Strong Buy consensus rating. The average IONQ stock price target stands at $79.75, implying a 46.55% upside from the current price.
