Revolutionizing Satellite Maneuverability

New Zealand’s Zenno Astronautics has achieved a significant milestone in space technology by successfully testing a thruster powered by superconducting magnets. This system, designed to maintain satellite orientation and position, eliminates the need for traditional liquid or gas propellants by converting solar energy into momentum.


The "Supertorquer" Technology

The system, known as the "Supertorquer," recently underwent orbital validation aboard the Mira satellite, developed by the California startup Impulse Space. The device, roughly the size of a shoebox, was launched during the SpaceX Transporter 12 mission. According to Max Arshavsky, founder and CEO of Zenno Astronautics, the technology allows for precise attitude control, preventing spacecraft from tumbling by interacting with the Earth's magnetic field.


«The unit has multiple super-conducting magnets that are positioned in different axes. When we power up the magnets, they generate a magnetic field, which interacts with Earth's magnetic field, and because we can control the magnetic field on the satellite, we can control the way in which it turns with respect to Earth,» explained Arshavsky.

Managing the Cryogenic Challenge

Superconducting magnets are capable of carrying significantly higher electrical currents than standard wires because they exhibit zero electrical resistance. However, they require extreme cooling—approximately -200 degrees Celsius (-328 degrees Fahrenheit)—to function. Managing this in the vacuum of space, where the satellite itself can reach temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius due to solar exposure, is a feat of engineering.


To address this, the Supertorquer utilizes:

  • Advanced thermal insulation layers.
  • A high-efficiency heat pump to dissipate excess thermal energy into the surrounding vacuum.
  • Power sourced from the satellite's solar-charged batteries.

Future Applications: From Docking to Radiation Shielding

The implications of this technology extend far beyond simple satellite orientation. Zenno Astronautics envisions larger, more powerful versions of their magnets that could enable complex orbital operations, such as autonomous docking or even interplanetary travel, using solely solar power.


Furthermore, Arshavsky points to the potential for human exploration:

«When we go to space, we get hurt by radiation, and these superconducting magnets can create umbrellas of magnetic fields around the spacecraft to protect the interior. So we can shield people in space from that radiation.»

By reducing reliance on consumable chemical fuels, Zenno Astronautics aims to establish a more sustainable infrastructure in space. The company is currently preparing for a larger-scale demonstration mission scheduled for later this year.