Saab and General Atomics’ OTB Satellite Completes Five-Year Mission

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has officially announced the successful completion of its Orbital Test Bed (OTB) satellite’s five-year mission. Launched in June 2019, the satellite will now begin a gradual 20-year deorbit process, eventually re-entering Earth’s atmosphere.

The OTB satellite, developed in collaboration with Saab, was the first deployment of GA-EMS’ GA-150 spacecraft, designed to accommodate multiple payloads on a single platform. It played a vital role in testing and validating new space technologies for NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and other partners.

One of its most significant contributions was hosting NASA’s Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC), a groundbreaking innovation from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This technology demonstrated how atomic clocks could enable spacecraft to navigate independently in deep space, reducing reliance on Earth-based tracking systems.

Even after DSAC’s primary mission ended, GA-EMS continued to operate the OTB satellite to collect telemetry and performance data. This prolonged usage provided valuable insights that will benefit future GA-150 satellite missions.

According to Gregg Burgess, Vice President of GA-EMS Space Systems, OTB exceeded expectations despite operating in a challenging orbital environment. He emphasized its role in advancing space technologies and providing crucial data for future developments.

Besides DSAC, OTB carried multiple payloads, including a Modular Solar Array for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, an Integrated Miniaturized Electrostatic Analyzer designed by Air Force Academy cadets, and the RadMon radiation effects monitor. It also hosted the FlexRX programmable satellite receiver and even carried over 150 cremated remains provided by Celestis, a company offering memorial spaceflights.

With OTB’s mission now concluded, its success underscores the growing importance of multi-payload satellites in accelerating space innovation and research.