CACI Announces Operation of Laser Communications Transmitter Designed for NASA Deep Space Mission
CACI International Inc (NYSE:CACI) has successfully delivered a flight model laser communications transmitter to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory for the Psyche spacecraft. This mission aims to explore the origins of planetary cores in the asteroid belt. The transmitter is part of the Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) package, capable of data transmission up to 100 times faster than traditional systems, over a distance of nearly 200 million miles. CACI is also developing laser systems for other NASA projects, indicating strong involvement in advanced space communications technology.
- Delivery of advanced laser communications transmitter to NASA for the Psyche mission.
- Capable of transmitting data at speeds up to 100 times faster than traditional systems.
- Demonstration of capability in deep space missions enhances CACI's reputation in advanced technologies.
- Involvement in multiple NASA programs indicates expanding business opportunities.
- None.
CACI International Inc (NYSE:CACI) announced today the delivery of a flight model laser communications transmitter to the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for use on-board the Psyche spacecraft, whose mission study the origin of planetary cores in the asteroid belt.
The CACI laser transmitter, shown here, will be used for the first laser communications demonstration in deep space and will be the longest laser communication link ever demonstrated. (Photo: Business Wire)
Laser communications, the next-generation space communications technology, can transmit data over long distances at rates up to 100 times faster than traditional radio frequency systems. The laser communications transmitter for the Psyche spacecraft is a key component of the Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) package that is designed to transmit data in photon packets from the asteroid belt back to earth, a distance of nearly 200 million miles. The spacecraft will visit the Psyche asteroid, which according to NASA, is unique because it appears to be the exposed nickel-iron core of an early planet, one of the building blocks of our solar system.
In November 2020, CACI delivered an engineering model of the laser communication transmitter to JPL, having passed space qualification testing. To pass space qualification testing, CACI engineers demonstrated the transmitter could withstand both space launch and flight.
The NASA Psyche mission aims to demonstrate the potential of laser technology to enable deep space communications, such as transmissions from the Earth to Mars or the moon. CACI is currently designing laser communications systems for five space hardware programs, including NASA’s Orion EM-2 Optical Communications (O2O) project, which will enable broadband data communications to and from the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle designed to take humans into lunar orbit, and the NASA Integrated LCRD Low-Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal (ILLUMA-T) program, which will deploy laser communications technology on the International Space Station.
John Mengucci, CACI President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “The successful operation by NASA of a CACI-developed laser communications transmitter demonstrates the advanced mission technology this company designs for our country. CACI is excited to support this NASA deep space mission with fast and reliable communications, and is ready to deliver advanced laser-based technologies to other space, aerial and terrestrial missions to come.”
CACI’s approximately 23,000 talented employees are vigilant in providing the unique expertise and distinctive technology that address our customers’ greatest enterprise and mission challenges. Our culture of good character, innovation, and excellence drives our success and earns us recognition as a Fortune World's Most Admired Company. As a member of the Fortune 1000 Largest Companies, the Russell 1000 Index, and the S&P MidCap 400 Index, we consistently deliver strong shareholder value. Visit us at www.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, 2020, 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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