South Korean launch services company INNOSPACE has signed a memorandum of understanding with Korean quantum computing firm Norma to explore cooperation on space-based quantum computing technologies and related business development.
Under the agreement, the companies said they will work across three areas: an in-orbit technology demonstration of Norma’s quantum processing unit (QPU)-based payload using INNOSPACE’s HANBIT launch vehicle; collaboration toward establishing a Space Quantum Computing Center; and joint pursuit of government-funded projects and R&D programs. The companies said details such as launch schedule, payload integration, and mission scope will be determined in further technical and business discussions.
The companies said the partnership is intended to test whether quantum computing technologies can be applied in space, citing increasing demand for high-performance computing and large-scale data processing as satellite constellations and space-based services grow more complex. INNOSPACE and Norma pointed to potential use cases including satellite data processing, mission planning, orbital resource optimisation, and secure communications.
As part of the planned demonstration, the companies said they aim to integrate the QPU-based payload with the HANBIT vehicle and verify the operability of quantum computing hardware in a space environment. Based on the results, they said they plan to expand cooperation into space data processing and work toward a Space Quantum Computing Center, described as infrastructure for processing and analysing space-generated data using quantum algorithms and cloud-based computing technologies.
In a statement, Norma CEO Hyunchul Jung said the in-orbit demonstration would be a step toward verifying the stability and operability of quantum computing technology in space and that the companies intend to pursue joint R&D and follow-on business collaboration.
INNOSPACE founder and CEO Soojong Kim said demand for in-space technology demonstrations is increasing and that the company plans to pursue the demonstration and explore applications at the intersection of space and advanced computing technologies.
