CACI International Inc. has announced the successful completion of Optical Communication Terminal (OCT) Interoperability Testing (OIT) for its CrossBeam® OCT, a crucial component of the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 1 data relay and tracking network. During this testing phase, CACI achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first SDA-compliant terminal to establish a consistent data communication link with the reference modem.

Todd Probert, President of National Security and Innovative Solutions at CACI, highlighted the company's track record of proven, mature, and low-risk technology. He also emphasized their advancements in scalable, U.S.-based manufacturing capacity, which will play a pivotal role in rapidly transforming sensing and communications for national security missions. Probert underscored the importance of CACI's innovations in optical communications in assisting the SDA in building the foundation for future warfighting infrastructure and resilient networks spanning all domains.

This testing collaboration took place within a team led by Lockheed Martin, tasked with developing 42 satellites for the SDA's Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL). This mesh network comprises 126 optically interconnected space vehicles and is designed to provide a resilient, low-latency, high-volume data transport communication system scheduled for launch in late 2024. The T1TL's mission is to offer global communications access and deliver persistent regional encrypted connectivity in support of warfighter missions worldwide, serving as a critical component of the Department of Defense’s Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiative.

The successful completion of this testing phase validates the CrossBeam OCT's performance to the version 3.0 standard and paves the way for further OIT with optical payloads. This progress is instrumental in verifying interoperability and supporting the SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture constellation, which comprises tracking and transport satellites.

Source:businesswire.com