New Zealand aerospace startup Zenno Astronautics became the first company in the world, which successfully tested the revolutionary Z01 Supertorquer fuelless satellite control system in orbit.
The technology is based on the use of high-temperature superconducting magnets (HTS), which convert solar energy into powerful torque by interacting with the Earth's magnetic field. Orbital tests of the system began on the Mira satellite from the American company Impulse Space (within the LEO Express mission 3), fully confirming the performance of superconductors in the conditions of open space.
Key technological advantages of the Z01 Supertorquer
Environmental friendliness and autonomy: Runs purely on solar energy without the use of fossil or chemical fuels, allowing to hold the orbit or change the orientation of the vehicles almost infinitely.
Zero energy loss: Thanks to superconducting coils, ohmic resistance is completely eliminated, which makes it possible to pass ultra-high currents and maintain the peak magnetic dipole continuously.
Colossal magnetic moment: Modifications of the device provide a magnetic dipole moment from 100 to over 8 000 Am², guaranteeing effective control even in weak magnetic fields on average (MEO) and geostationary (GEO) orbits.
Compactness and lightness: The device is several times smaller and lighter than traditional magnetic systems (electromagnetic rods) or mechanical flywheels of similar power.
Energy consumption: Cooling system to workers 77 Kelvinov (-196°C) needs only 46-48 W at peak times and approx 23 W on average.
The success of the technology pushed the company to a large-scale expansion: Zenno Astronautics is officially moving its main base from Oakland to Los Angeles (USA), closer to the largest defense and space contracts.
in addition, the startup entered into an agreement with the Japanese giant Mitsubishi Electric to create a high-precision satellite control simulator, which will help integrate supermagnets into future large satellite platforms.
Source: https://www.satnow.com