General Atomics Celebrates Milestone: Successful OTB Satellite Mission

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 19, 2025 - In a monumental achievement, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has successfully concluded its pioneering Orbital Test Bed (OTB) satellite mission, marking a significant stride in space technology and innovation.

A New Era for Space Exploration

The OTB satellite, which took off in June 2019, has set new benchmarks by hosting multiple payloads in a single mission to foster advancements in space technology. This mission also laid the groundwork for the successful launch of GA-EMS’s GA-150 spacecraft. According to Space War News, this marks a pivotal moment for General Atomics. Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS, acknowledged the team’s effort, stating, “The OTB mission has both showcased and validated the new technologies our customers brought to life, enhancing the future of space exploration.”

Key Success: The Deep Space Atomic Clock

The OTB mission tested various payloads, but none captured the spotlight quite like NASA’s Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC). Developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, DSAC revolutionized autonomous deep space navigation by affirming its precision and reliability, thereby blazing a trail for future deep-space expeditions.

Continuation Beyond Initial Mission

Even after the DSAC mission wrapped up, OTB continued to contribute valuable data for ongoing and future GA-150 satellite programs. Gregg Burgess, vice president of GA-EMS Space Systems, emphasized the satellite’s prolific journey: “OTB served not only as a testing bed but also as an invaluable resource for our team, exceeding all targeted expectations.”

A Multifaceted Mission

Beyond housing the DSAC, OTB carried a diverse array of technologies such as the Modular Solar Array for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and the RadMon radiation monitoring system. These cooperative efforts enhanced the innovations across multiple facets of space technology, thus affirming OTB’s legacy as a cornerstone for future missions.

Looking Forward

The successful conclusion of the OTB satellite’s primary mission is more than just an end; it represents the dawn of new possibilities as the satellite embarks on its projected 20-year deorbit phase. The insights garnered from this mission will continue to enrich General Atomics’ space capabilities, ensuring a steady path to further explorations. General Atomics marks completion of OTB satellite mission ahead of deorbit phase

Today, the landscape of space exploration stands at the cusp of a technological renaissance thanks to pioneering missions like OTB, which continue to inspire the pursuit of knowledge and discovery. As stated in Space War News, “As we look beyond current horizons, the success of these missions only fuels our imagination and determination to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”