Zenno Astronautics has achieved a momentous feat with the successful launch of their Z01 SuperTorquer into space. The Z01 SuperTorquer is a pioneering superconducting, magnetic torquer designed for fuel-free spacecraft attitude control. This achievement, which took place on December 1, 2023, represents the first-ever demonstration of high-temperature superconducting electromagnets in space. It marks a significant milestone in the realm of space operations, indicating a new era of possibilities for missions both in close proximity and beyond.
The Z01 SuperTorquer was propelled into space aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the “Korea 425” mission, from the Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. It was carried on an orbital transfer vehicle from D-Orbit and deployed into a 560 km Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO) on the “Beyond” mission. D-Orbit will conduct orbital demonstrations of the Z01 SuperTorquer during the mission to showcase its capabilities in real space conditions.
Furthermore, Zenno has established a strategic partnership with D-Orbit to collaborate on the development of innovative space products and services utilizing superconducting electromagnets. This collaboration aims to explore practical solutions for fuel-free desaturation of reaction wheels in high-altitude orbits and radiation shielding of hardware using superconducting electromagnets, reflecting the potential for widespread applications of this groundbreaking technology.
Max Arshavsky, the co-founder and CEO of Zenno, expressed his enthusiasm about the new technology, stating, “The future has arrived as superconducting technology opens up a universe of new possibilities and accelerates the shift towards more dynamic operations. Z01 is a compelling innovation for satellite manufacturers and operators who want to deliver new capability and drive greater productivity from missions, now; it’s a powerful fuel-free source of force in space that is sustainable, safe, scalable, fully electric and superior to existing technology options.”
He further highlighted the advantages of the Z01 SuperTorquer, emphasizing its capability to enable fuel-free maneuvering, a world-first in the industry. Arshavsky also underscored the cost benefits and scalability of the Z01, describing it as a catalyst for yet-to-be-explored advancements in satellite mission length, productivity gains, and expansion into space, teasing the potential for further developments beyond satellite agility.
In response to this historic achievement, Luca Rossettini, the founder and CEO of D-Orbit, congratulated Zenno and affirmed their commitment to driving innovation in the space industry. “This day is a step forward in our collaboration with Zenno, as together, we are committed to developing innovation to help the space industry accelerate the development of more affordable, sustainable, and high-performance spacecraft,” he remarked.
The successful launch of the Z01 SuperTorquer represents a significant leap forward in the realm of space technology, showcasing the immense potential of superconducting electromagnets in revolutionizing space missions. With the promise of fuel-free, sustainable, and scalable capabilities, this breakthrough innovation is poised to shape the future of space operations and pave the way for unprecedented advancements in the industry.
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