CACI Advances Space Superiority with Next Generation OCT Capabilities

Key Terms

optical communications terminal technical

An optical communications terminal is a hardware unit that sends, receives and converts light-based signals on a fiber-optic network into the electronic data devices use, acting like a postal sorting room or translator at the end of a long fiber line. Investors care because these terminals determine how fast, reliable and expensive a fiber link is to run or upgrade; their performance and cost affect service revenue, network rollouts and competitive position.

beyond leo (bleo) technical

Beyond LEO (BLEO) describes space activities and missions that operate farther than Low Earth Orbit, such as missions to the Moon, Mars, deep space, or high Earth orbits. For investors it signals a different risk–reward profile than near‑Earth ventures: BLEO projects tend to require bigger upfront technology and capital investments, longer development timelines and stricter rules, but also open access to new markets and revenue streams—think of it as moving from short commuter trips to long-haul expeditions.

pointing, acquisition, and tracking (pat) technical

Pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) is a system that aims, finds, and keeps a sensor or beam locked onto a moving target—like a spotlight that automatically swings to locate a person and then follows them as they walk. For investors, PAT matters because it underpins precision in satellite communications, defense, lidar, and optical links; its performance can determine product reliability, contract wins, and recurring revenue for companies in those technology-driven sectors.

deep space optical communications technical

A laser-based system for sending and receiving data between spacecraft and Earth over long distances beyond Earth orbit. Like switching from a slow radio 'walkie-talkie' to a focused laser 'fiber-optic' link through space, it can carry far more information using less power and smaller antennas, which matters to investors because it enables higher-value services, new mission capabilities, and sales opportunities for equipment and ground networks while also introducing development and deployment risks.

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RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) announced today it has been selected to move forward to Phase 3 of the Enterprise Space Terminal (EST) program as part of ongoing efforts with the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command. This marks CACI’s latest significant advancement in its Optical Communications Terminal (OCT) portfolio, underscoring the company’s leadership in delivering innovative, resilient, and mission-ready capabilities in national security across all orbital domains.

“CACI’s progress as a prime contractor on the EST program demonstrates how we deliver innovation at mission speed,” said John Mengucci, CACI President and Chief Executive Officer. “With our history of delivering modular OCT systems, proven operational solutions, and expanded capabilities enhanced by the acquisition of ARKA, we are driving the next generation of space communications and sensing. By investing ahead of need, CACI strengthens our nation’s space security and resilience to ensure operational advantage years before requirements are defined.”

In November 2025 during Phase 2 of the EST program, CACI passed critical design review of its EST OCT solution for beyond LEO (bLEO) missions and in January 2026, CACI successfully completed interoperability testing of its EST hardware at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lincoln Labs (MIT-LL). During the interoperability testing, CACI successfully demonstrated mission critical performance relevant for all pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) test cases to be used for bLEO missions. Furthermore, CACI demonstrated bi-directional operation with the MIT-LL standard reference modem.

During Phase 3 of the EST program, CACI will leverage its OCT solution and utilize its technologies to build a proto-flight terminal, undergo further interoperability and performance testing at MIT-LL, and deliver the terminal to the USSF for bLEO missions.

Additional Critical Space Contributions

CACI has designed, delivered, and deployed space technology across multiple orbital domains, including more than 50 OCTs in LEO. The company has also successfully transmitted data to earth from over 300 million miles away in deep space (Deep Space Optical Communications DSOC). CACI’s most recent accomplishment enabled the transmission of high-definition video and data transmission for the Artemis II moon mission.

“These milestones reflect CACI’s commitment to rapid technological development, integration across domains, and investment in next generation capabilities that meet operational needs in highly contested environments,” continued Mengucci.

About CACI

CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) is a national security company with 27,000 talented employees who are Ever Vigilant in expanding the limits of national security. We ensure our customers’ success by delivering differentiated technology and distinctive expertise to accelerate innovation, drive speed and efficiency, and rapidly anticipate and eliminate threats. Our culture drives our success and earns us recognition as a Fortune World's Most Admired Company. We are members of the Fortune 500™, the Russell 1000 Index, and the S&P MidCap 400 Index. For more information, visit us at caci.com.

There are statements made herein which do not address historical facts and therefore could be interpreted to be forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in CACI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, and other such filings that CACI makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Any forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon and only speak as of the date hereof.

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Corporate Communications and Media:
Gino Bona
Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications
(571) 597-2787, gino.bona@caci.com

Investor Relations:
George Price
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
(703) 841-7818, george.price@caci.com

Source: CACI International Inc