Zenno Astronautics
Zenno Astronautics develops superconducting electromagnet systems that let satellites point, rotate and manoeuvre without carrying fuel.
- Category
- Deep Tech
- Fund
- NZVC I
- Website
- www.zenno.space
- On TechMates
- 2 episodes
What Zenno Astronautics does
Zenno Astronautics's Z01 Supertorquer uses cryogenically cooled high-temperature superconductors to generate strong magnetic fields that push against Earth's magnetic field for attitude control, and the same technology extends to radiation shielding and docking. The Auckland company operates New Zealand's only dedicated space superconductor facility and was the first in the world to fly a superconducting magnet in orbit.
The secret
A satellite can push against the Earth itself. Because the Supertorquer works against Earth's magnetic field on solar power alone, the spacecraft's working life stops being set by how much fuel it launched with, and the same magnets point toward radiation shielding and docking.
Why NZVC invested in Zenno Astronautics
NZVC invested in Zenno Astronautics from NZVC Fund I. We file the company under Deep Tech on the portfolio wall.
We backed Zenno because fuel is the hard constraint on satellite lifetime and mission flexibility, and a fuel-free way to move and protect spacecraft addresses that directly across a fast-growing satellite market. The superconducting magnet approach is genuinely hard engineering, and the team has already proven it in orbit rather than on paper. With satellite constellations scaling and mission owners looking for longer operational life, the timing for this capability is strong.
Zenno Astronautics in the press
- Zenno Astronautics is moving to the United StatesSpaceNews · 21 July 2026
- Zenno flew the first superconducting magnet to operate in spaceSpace.com, R&D World · 30 June 2026
- Zenno Astronautics and Portal announced a partnership for a 2026 missionBusinessDesk · 13 November 2025
- Business of Tech: From Auckland to orbit: Zenno's bold bet on magnetic space techBusinessDesk · 17 July 2025
- Zenno's first hardware reached orbit on a SpaceX launchStuff · 3 December 2023
Zenno Astronautics on TechMates
Data Centers in Space, 5 Years Away?
You hear Max Arshavsky explain why superconducting magnets are becoming the control layer for satellites, and how that ties into SpaceX, Starlink, and the race to put data centers and defense systems in orbit. He argues that rocketry is a solved problem and that the real contest is now energy, intelligence, and mobility in space. You leave with a founder's account of the first superconductor run in space and why conflict in orbit may be closer than you think.
“Whoever wins energy and intelligence in space wins.”Max Arshavsky
- In June, Zenno became the first company to operate a superconducting product in space, its Super Torquer for satellite-to-satellite interaction; two have flown and two more ship this year.
- Zenno holds contracts with a German defense research agency for autonomous magnetic-field cooperation between satellites, and with investor Mitsubishi Electric to simulate the hardware.
- The Almighty Magnet mission is set to become the most powerful magnet ever flown in space.
Zenno Astronautics on TechMates
How to Electrify Space
You hear how a kid from Siberia ended up building superconducting magnets for satellites in New Zealand. Max Arshavsky explains the seven-year grind behind the first commercial superconducting magnet in orbit, and why he thinks AI, not humans, will settle deep space.
“In space, failure isn't an option. You work with truth, and zero bullshit.”Max Arshavsky
- How a Soviet space monument sparked a lifelong obsession with the stars.
- Why Max walked away from a scholarship to forge his own path in New Zealand.
- The 7-year grind to develop the world's first superconducting magnet for space.