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.
Колосальний магнітний момент: Модифікації пристрою забезпечують магнітний дипольний момент від 100 to over 8 000 Am², гарантуючи ефективне керування навіть у слабких магнітних полях на середніх (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, стартап уклав угоду з японським гігантом Mitsubishi Electric для створення високоточного симулятора супутникового контролю, що допоможе інтегрувати супермагніти в майбутні великі супутникові платформи.
Source: https://www.satnow.com