Quantum Computing, Inc. Awarded Contract to Support NASA's Space Based LIDAR Data Analysis

Rhea-AI Summary

Quantum Computing (QUBT) has secured a $406,478 subcontract to support NASA's Langley Research Center in developing quantum computing solutions for space LIDAR data analysis. The contract, awarded through Analytical Mechanics Associates, runs until May 31, 2026.

Using their Dirac-3 quantum computer, QCi will work on removing sunlight noise from space LIDAR data, addressing a major challenge in NASA's daytime atmospheric sensing and Earth observation missions. The current solutions require large, power-hungry hardware that increases mission costs. QCi's quantum-based approach aims to improve signal-to-noise ratio without adding physical payload.

The project will focus on enhancing data processing for NASA's CALIPSO and ICESat-2 satellites. If successful, this quantum solution could enable NASA to achieve desired performance with smaller telescopes and lower-power lasers, potentially reducing costs for future LIDAR missions.

Positive

• New $406K NASA subcontract awarded through May 2026
• Technology could reduce NASA mission costs through smaller telescopes and lower-power lasers
• Expands on previous NASA contracts, showing growing credibility with government institutions
• Quantum solution operates at room temperature and low power, making it cost-effective
• Addresses real commercial problem in LIDAR data processing

Negative

• Contract is time and materials based, not fixed-price, indicating potential revenue uncertainty
• Relatively small contract value at $406K ceiling
• Success of quantum-based approach not yet proven
• Heavy dependence on government contracts for revenue

~$406K Award Advances QCi's Quantum Technology for NASA's LIDAR Missions

HOBOKEN, N.J., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Computing Inc. ("QCi" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: QUBT), an innovative, integrated photonics and quantum optics technology company, today announced that the Company has been awarded a subcontract with a ceiling value of $406,478 to support the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's ("NASA") Langley Research Center through the development of an innovative quantum computing technique for removal of solar noise from space LIDAR data. QCi received the subcontract award through Analytical Mechanics Associates ("AMA"), a prime contractor on the RSES IDIQ vehicle. The subcontract is time and materials, and the period of performance ends May 31, 2026.

Using QCi's latest Dirac-3 quantum computer, the Company will develop and test quantum computing techniques to identify and remove sunlight noise in space LIDAR data. This will help NASA obtain adequate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) even in daytime measurements. So far, the sunlight noise is a major obstacle facing NASA in obtaining reliable atmospheric sensing and Earth observation data during daytime. Existing approaches to increasing the SNR require the use of optics hardware with excessive size and power parameters, which drive up the weight and mission costs. QCi's approach leverages the unique capabilities of its quantum optimization machine to improve SNR without increasing physical payload size, weight or power requirements.

"This award expands on the work QCi has performed on several previous NASA subcontracts and underscores the growing credibility QCi has earned as a trusted partner in quantum innovation for leading government and research institutions," said Dr. William McGann, CEO of QCi. "Our goal is to deliver a quantum-based denoising solution that could materially reduce the cost and complexity of space-based LIDAR missions. By enabling efficient and accurate data collection during daytime operations, this project has the potential to transform how we approach climate and atmospheric science from space. QCi's quantum machines are already solving complex, real-world problems today, demonstrating the practical impact of our technology."

The project will focus on demonstrating the application of quantum computing to improving data processing for NASA's space LIDAR, including imagery from the CALIPSO and ICESat-2 satellites, and ultimately aims to significantly reduce the mission costs. If successful, the quantum-based approach could enable NASA to achieve desired performance levels with smaller telescopes or lower-power lasers, opening the door to more compact and affordable LIDAR payloads for future missions. 

This latest contract reflects QCi's growing capability to apply quantum and photonic solutions to real-world scientific and engineering challenges, and reinforces its continued collaboration with NASA to advance innovation in space and Earth observation technologies.

About AMA:

Since 1962, AMA has worked with government and commercial organizations solving tough engineering, science, math, and business problems. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in analytics, information technology, and visualization to build innovative solutions. Learn more at www.ama-inc.com 

About Quantum Computing Inc.

Quantum Computing Inc. (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an innovative, integrated photonics and quantum optics technology company that provides accessible and affordable quantum machines to the world today. QCi's products are designed to operate at room temperature and low power at an affordable cost. The Company's portfolio of core technologies and products offer unique capabilities in the areas of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, as well as remote sensing applications.

Company Contact:

Rosalyn Christian/John Nesbett

IMS Investor Relations

qci@imsinvestorrelations.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements, generally identified by terms such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "intends," "goal," "objective," "seek," "attempt," "aim to," or variations of these or similar words, involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of QCi and members of its management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, including the successful development of quantum noise subtraction techniques and the timing and amount of revenue recognition, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Except as required by federal securities law, QCi undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed conditions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quantum-computing-inc-awarded-contract-to-support-nasas-space-based-lidar-data-analysis-302442310.html

SOURCE Quantum Computing Inc.

FAQ

What is the value and duration of QUBT's NASA LIDAR contract in 2025?

QUBT received a subcontract worth $406,478 through Analytical Mechanics Associates to support NASA's Langley Research Center. The contract runs until May 31, 2026, focusing on quantum computing solutions for LIDAR data analysis.

How will QUBT's Dirac-3 quantum computer improve NASA's LIDAR data collection?

QUBT's Dirac-3 quantum computer will develop techniques to remove sunlight noise from space LIDAR data, improving signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) without increasing payload size, weight, or power requirements, making daytime measurements more reliable.

What satellites will benefit from QUBT's quantum computing LIDAR solution?

QUBT's quantum computing solution will improve data processing for NASA's CALIPSO and ICESat-2 satellites, potentially enabling smaller telescopes and lower-power lasers for future LIDAR missions.

How could QUBT's NASA contract impact space mission costs?

QUBT's quantum-based denoising solution aims to reduce space-based LIDAR mission costs by enabling the use of smaller telescopes and lower-power lasers, leading to more compact and affordable LIDAR payloads.

What is the main technical challenge QUBT's quantum solution addresses for NASA?

QUBT addresses NASA's major challenge of sunlight noise in space LIDAR data, which currently requires excessive size and power parameters in optics hardware, by using quantum computing to improve signal quality without increasing physical payload requirements.