The Obsidian served as an Imperial XQ1 Platform facility. It was the location where Grand Admiral Demetrius Zaarin spearheaded the [TIE Experimental Project],(/article/tie_experimental_project) creating various prototype TIE Fighters. A number of TIE Fighter squadrons and the science research ship named Sardis provided security for the installation.
Not long after the Battle of Hoth, a Rebel assault resulted in the destruction of both the station and the Sardis. Zaarin managed to recover pieces of the Obsidian's computer from the wreckage.