Customer Profile

Capella Space

Capella Space Corp.

capellaspace.com Rocket Lab Missions 5Cited Sources 3Related Companies 5

Capella Space is a commercial provider of high-resolution **Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)** imagery 1. The company provides Earth observation capabilities that function during all-weather conditions and both day and night 1.

The company was founded in **2016** 3. Capella Space was acquired by IonQ in an all-stock deal valued at **$425M** on July 11, 2025 2.

Last Updated: 2 months ago

Website

Investment Thesis

The company was founded in **2016** 3. Capella Space was acquired by IonQ in an all-stock deal valued at **$425M** on July 11, 2025 2.

Key Differentiators

• All-Weather Capability: Provides high-resolution SAR imagery that enables observation regardless of weather or light conditions 1.
• Constellation Breadth: Operates multiple satellite series including the **Denali**, **Sequoia**, **Whitney**, and **Acadia** constellations 3.
• Defense Integration: Holds a contract with the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit to develop imaging modes for the **Hybrid Space Architecture** 2.

Risk Factors

• Acquisition Integration: The company transitioned from a private venture-backed entity to a subsidiary of **IonQ** following a **$425M** acquisition in July 2025 2.
• Revenue Transparency: Precise revenue figures are not publicly disclosed, though one source reports **$12M** for 2023 3.

Rocket Lab Relationship

Capella Space is a repeat customer for Rocket Lab's **Launch Services** segment. The company has completed **5** launches using the **Electron** rocket since 2020 1.

The customer relationship also extends to the **Components** segment. Capella Space uses Rocket Lab **Planetary Systems Corporation (PSC)** separation systems on its missions 2. Of the 5 launches, **4** were successful 1.

Company Info

Company Type

commercial

Industry

Earth Observation

Headquarters

San Francisco, United States

Founded

2016

CEO

Frank Backes, Chief Executive Officer

Employees

201-500

Funding Stage

Private (Venture-backed)

Total Raised

$250.49M total across 14 rounds. Latest round: Acquisition by IonQ for $425M on July 11, 2025 (M&A). Previous notable funding: $60M Series C-II on January 10, 2023, led by US Innovative Technology Fund.

Research Confidence

95%