[Edaily Reporter Kang Min-gu] Private space launch vehicle company #InnoSpace signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with South Korean quantum computing firm Norma on the 16th at the InnoSpace Cheongju Campus to collaborate on space and quantum computing technologies and business ventures.

The two companies agreed to pursue the following: △ in-space demonstration of Norma’s “QPU (Quantum Processing Unit)” using InnoSpace’s “Hanbit (HANBIT)” launch vehicle; △ business cooperation to establish a space quantum computing center; and △ collaboration on government-funded projects and joint R&D.

This collaboration is a strategic partnership aimed at verifying the feasibility of applying next-generation computing technologies in space to meet the growing demand for high-complexity computations in the space industry, as well as expanding related application areas. Interest in the use of quantum computing technology is increasing as the demand for large-scale data processing—such as satellite data, mission design, and the optimization of orbital and communication resources—grows in the space sector.

The two companies plan to install a “QPU” on the “Hanbit” launch vehicle to verify the operational feasibility of quantum computing technology in an actual space environment. They also intend to expand their collaboration into the field of space data processing in the future, laying the groundwork for the establishment of a space quantum computing center.

The Space Quantum Computing Center is a next-generation space data center concept designed to process and analyze data generated in space using quantum algorithms and cloud-based computing technologies, thereby supporting the optimization of satellite operations and the utilization of space data.

Jeong Hyun-cheol, CEO of Norma, stated, “The ‘QPU’ space demonstration project, which we are pursuing together with InnoSpace, will serve as a crucial opportunity to verify the technology’s stability and operability in an actual space environment and expand its potential applications in the space sector.” He added, “Starting with this collaboration, we will continue joint R&D and follow-up business cooperation to achieve results in the development of space-quantum convergence technologies.”

Kim Su-jong, CEO of InnoSpace, remarked, “As demand for space demonstrations grows, launch vehicles are expanding their scope of application beyond simply transporting satellites to become core infrastructure supporting the validation and commercialization of various new technologies, such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, telecommunications, and AI.” He added, “Through our collaboration with Norma, we will proceed with the ‘QPU’ space demonstration and, based on this, identify new application areas and business opportunities that fuse space and cutting-edge technologies.”