The OTB satellite was the first launch of GA-EMS’ GA-150 spacecraft, designed to host multiple payloads on a single satellite. It played a crucial role in demonstrating and space-qualifying new technologies for various customers, including NASA and the U.S. Air Force.
One of OTB’s most significant payloads was NASA’s Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC), developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This advanced technology successfully demonstrated how atomic clocks can enable spacecraft to navigate autonomously in deep space without relying on Earth-based trajectory updates.
Even after the DSAC mission concluded, GA-EMS continued operating OTB to gather valuable telemetry and performance data. This extended use has provided insights for other GA-150 satellite programmes, both on-orbit and those scheduled for future launches.
Gregg Burgess, Vice President of GA-EMS Space Systems, highlighted that OTB exceeded expectations despite operating in a challenging orbital environment. He emphasised its role as a valuable resource for knowledge, training, and advancing future space technologies.
In addition to DSAC, the satellite carried other payloads, including a Modular Solar Array for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and an Integrated Miniaturized Electrostatic Analyzer developed by U.S. Air Force Academy cadets. It also hosted the RadMon radiation effects monitor, the FlexRX programmable satellite receiver, and over 150 cremated remains provided by Celestis.
