- Zenno Astronautics and D-Orbit form a commercial partnership to develop new space products and services using superconducting electromagnets.
- The collaboration aims to create solutions for fuel-free desaturation of reaction wheels and radiation shielding in high-altitude orbits.
September 29, 2023, New Zealand-based space-flight systems company, Zenno Astronautics (Zenno), known for its pioneering work in superconducting electromagnets for space applications, has entered into a special commercial partnership with D-Orbit, a leading figure in the space logistics industry. This collaboration is set to pave the way for the development of innovative space products and services.
The primary focus of this partnership will be the amalgamation of the unique technologies and expertise of both companies. Together, Zenno and D-Orbit aim to harness the potential of superconducting electromagnets in space applications. Two major projects have been outlined: the development of practical solutions for the first fuel-free desaturation of reaction wheels in high-altitude orbits and the creation of radiation shielding for hardware using superconducting electromagnets.
Max Arshavsky, Zenno’s co-founder and CEO, shared his insights on the collaboration, stating, “Zenno and D-Orbit are committed to shaping the future of space technology with new superconducting solutions that will empower in-space operations. We are creating a platform to enable superconducting magnets for various reliable, scalable, and fully electric space applications – from in-orbit satellite maneuverability to radiation shielding – for close proximity operations and farther afield. Working with D-Orbit, we can significantly accelerate the availability of new fuel-free space technologies for the space industry, opening new possibilities for satellite and spacecraft design and mission length.”
Echoing this sentiment, Luca Rossettini, D-Orbit’s founder and CEO, remarked, “At the heart of the space industry lies a relentless pursuit of innovation, and we are proud to join hands with Zenno in the in-orbit validation of their technology aboard our ION Satellite Carrier. This milestone marks a significant stride in the transformation of satellite operations, and this collaboration underscores our dedication to shaping the future of space technology, and further accelerating the progress towards more affordable, high-performance spacecraft. We foresee several applications of their superconducting electromagnets, especially the radiation shielding technology.”
In a recent development, Zenno Astronautics successfully integrated its pioneering superconducting magnetic device, Z01™, into D-Orbit’s ION Satellite Carrier. This integration is a precursor to its inaugural in-orbit validation mission. The Z01 device, which is designed to de-tumble, stabilize, and control the attitude of a spacecraft, stands out due to its compact size and lightweight nature compared to traditional technology. The upcoming launch of the orbital transfer vehicle, equipped with the Z01, is scheduled via SpaceX’s Falcon 9 in the fourth quarter of 2023.
