Zenno

Zenno Astronautics, a New Zealand-based company founded in 2017, is focused on developing superconducting magnet technology for space applications. The company was established by Max Arshavsky, William Johnson, and Sebastian Wieczorek. Arshavsky, who serves as CEO, studied at Moscow's National Nuclear University and later the University of Auckland, where the idea for Zenno was born out of the university's Space Systems program. This background in engineering and project management, combined with a vision for sustainable space exploration, underpins the company's direction.

Zenno operates in the commercial and public sector space market, providing hardware and software to satellite manufacturers and operators. Its business model centers on the sale of these advanced technology products. A significant milestone was achieved in December 2023, when Zenno's technology was launched into orbit for the first time aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking the first-ever in-orbit demonstration of high-temperature superconducting electromagnets. The company has secured a total of $6.61 million in funding over two seed rounds, with notable investors including Mitsubishi Electric, Global From Day One, and Shasta Ventures.

The company's primary product is the Z01 Supertorquer, a patented attitude control system for satellites. This system uses cryogenically cooled high-temperature superconductors, powered by solar panels, to generate powerful magnetic fields that interact with Earth's magnetic field for pointing and orientation. A key feature is that it is fuel-free, which addresses major industry challenges by extending satellite operational life and helping to mitigate the creation of space debris. Compared to traditional attitude control systems like reaction wheels or conventional magnetorquers, the Z01 is significantly smaller, lighter, and more power-efficient, offering greater accuracy and uptime. This technology is scalable for satellites ranging from 50kg up to the size of space stations and enables services such as debris removal and in-space servicing.

Keywords: satellite attitude control, superconducting magnets, space technology, electromagnets, in-space propulsion, Zenno Z01, satellite positioning, fuel-free propulsion, space debris mitigation, New Zealand aerospace, deep tech, satellite components, spacecraft systems, orbital transfer vehicle, high-temperature superconductors, Max Arshavsky, commercial space, space exploration technology, sustainable space, reaction wheel desaturation