Capella Space

Capella Space designs, manufactures, and operates a constellation of X-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites that provide high-resolution Earth observation data regardless of weather or light conditions. The company's fleet includes the Whitney-class and newer Acadia-class satellites, which achieve radar resolution down to 0.3 meters. Acadia-class spacecraft feature increased power and imaging bandwidth, along with optical inter-satellite links for near-real-time data delivery. Capella provides imagery and analytics through a cloud-native platform that enables automated satellite tasking and rapid data delivery for commercial and government applications.

Following its acquisition by IonQ in 2025, Capella Space operates as a wholly owned subsidiary focused on integrating quantum computing and encryption technologies into orbital infrastructure. The company is developing space-based quantum key distribution (QKD) networks to provide ultra-secure communications alongside its existing geospatial intelligence services. Capella serves a diverse customer base, including the National Reconnaissance Office, the U.S. Space Force, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Its business model relies on data-as-a-service licensing and providing specialized SAR imagery for maritime monitoring, disaster response, and national security missions.