SA Photonics

SA Photonics, acquired by CACI in 2022, specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of free-space optical communication systems and photonic solutions for defense and space applications. The company focuses on providing secure, reliable, and resilient communications technology, particularly for highly contested environments and across all orbital regimes – low Earth, medium Earth, and geostationary. Key products include the CrossBeam® and SkyLight® optical communication terminals, designed for low-cost, high-volume manufacturing and satellite crosslink capabilities respectively, as well as advanced laser transmitters for LiDAR and ISR applications.

SA Photonics/CACI has demonstrated significant achievements in the field, notably contributing to NASA’s ILLUMA-T mission – the first bidirectional, end-to-end laser communications relay system – and providing technology for the Psyche spacecraft. The company has a dedicated space manufacturing and testing facility in Orlando focused on full-rate production of space flight hardware. This positions CACI as a key provider of optical communication solutions to the U.S. government and a growing player in both military and commercial space markets, offering bespoke, American-made technology for critical missions ranging from battlefield communications to deep space exploration.