Electrifying Space: Zenno’s fuel-free satellite pointing system

Zenno's Max Arshavsky (L) & Erica Lloyd (R) with Z01New Zealand-based space-flight systems company, Zenno Astronautics (Zenno), has proudly announced a remarkable achievement—surpassing a staggering $75 million in product sales (equivalent to USD 48 million) for its groundbreaking innovation, the Z01™ superconducting magnetorquer for spacecraft attitude control.

At the heart of Zenno's success is the Z01, a revolutionary satellite pointing system built upon the company's proprietary superconducting magnet technology. This fuel-free marvel is designed to substantially broaden the scope of attitude control capabilities in space. This includes groundbreaking features such as fully autonomous satellite positioning and extended satellite orbit time.

Max Arshavsky, Zenno's CEO and co-founder, emphasizes that hitting the $75 million sales mark in less than a year underscores the global space industry's enthusiastic embrace of innovative solutions to real problems. The Z01 holds the key to enhanced satellite design and functionality, offering advantages that stretch far beyond the limits of existing technologies.

The Z01's capabilities are remarkably simple yet astonishingly effective, unlocking new possibilities in orbit operations. This ingenious system promises superior imagery, communications, and increased time spent in space. Arshavsky explains, "Z01 stands as the epitome of advanced spacecraft pointing technology, operating much like a sustainable magnetic sail or electric vehicle in space. It's a groundbreaking solution for the challenges of navigating objects in space while minimizing the impact on our planet."

Zenno's plans include the launch of their full-scale Z01 attitude control system later in 2023. This innovation marks just the beginning of several exciting offerings from the six-year-old company as it pursues its mission to cultivate life in space.

But what does Z01 bring to the table that's truly game-changing? The answer lies in the complex world of space movement. While launching satellites is a feat in itself, ensuring that they maintain correct orientations is a whole different challenge. Here, Zenno's Z01 super torquer shines. Unlike conventional propulsion systems that rely on fuel for in-orbit control, Z01 is a game-changer. It consumes only electricity, eliminating the need for on-satellite fuel consumption.

Harnessing the power of cryogenically cooled high-temperature superconductors and solar panels, Zenno's Z01 generates robust magnetic fields that interact with Earth's geomagnetic field. This interaction empowers satellites to rotate and adjust—without the need for fuel. What's more, Z01 is remarkably smaller and lighter than existing attitude control technologies. At around 4kg, it's just a fraction of the weight of traditional torquers, revolutionizing satellite design and deployment.

Arshavsky affirms, "Size matters when it comes to satellites. A lighter payload translates to reduced launch costs and endless possibilities for spacecraft design. Z01's impact goes beyond mere control; it opens doors to services like debris removal, construction, and servicing in space. We're exploring various innovations that build upon Z01's foundation and collectively enable the thriving of the space industry in the long run."

In conclusion, Zenno's journey is a testament to their vision for building life in space. Their Z01 super torquer technology is a pioneering force, igniting a revolution in space movement by harnessing the untapped potential of super magnets. With a firm foothold in New Zealand and the USA, Zenno's mission encompasses much more than just space exploration; it promises to reshape industries spanning meteorology, environment, healthcare, telecommunications, and defense. As the journey continues, Zenno is set to transform how we navigate space, while preserving the planet for generations to come.

-ENDS-

About Zenno

Zenno is more than a company—it's a pioneering force shaping the future of space exploration. Headquartered in New Zealand, Zenno is on a mission to redefine space movement through the untapped energy of super magnets. The crown jewel of their innovation is the Z01™ super torquer technology, a satellite control system that paves the way for fully autonomous, fuel-free satellite positioning and precise interactions between satellites. Built on the bedrock of Zenno's proprietary superconducting magnet technology, the Z01™ reimagines how spacecraft navigate space, all while minimizing their ecological impact. Beyond space exploration, Zenno's software and hardware solutions are poised to revolutionize industries such as meteorology, environment, healthcare, telecommunications, and defense. With teams in Auckland, New Zealand, and the USA, Zenno is the embodiment of innovation with a global reach. For more information, visit www.zenno.space.

Image: Zenno's Max Arshavsky (L) & Erica Lloyd (R) with Z01. Credit: Zenno

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