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Space

CACI Demonstrates Optical Intersatellite Links for DARPA, SDA

By Rachel Jewett

Wednesday, May 18th, 2022

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CACI Demonstrates Optical Intersatellite Links for DARPA, SDA

Mandrake 2 spacecraft pre-launch. Photo: Astro Digital/via DARPA

CACI International Inc demonstrated space-to-space optical communications links in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) as part of the Mandrake II mission. CACI announced the tests Tuesday, in partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Space Development Agency (SDA). Mandrale II is a risk-reduction program for optical communication terminals for the upcoming Blackjack and SDA Transport and Tracking Layer constellations. SpaceX launched the two Mandrake II satellites in July 2021, equipped with CrossBeam free-space optical terminals developed by SA Photonics. CACI recently acquired SA Photonics.…

Congress

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Army

Army Plans To Initiate ISV-Heavy Competition Later This Year, Official Says

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Senate Authorization Bill Restricts Building Navy Warships Overseas With Limited Exception For Auxiliaries

The Senate Armed Services Committee’s (SASC) version of the FY 2027 defense policy bill looks to cut the ability for the Trump administration to buy foreign-made warships, but still allow […]