...the who's who,
and the what's what 
of the space industry

Space Careers

news Space News

Search News Archive

Title

Article text

Keyword

  • Home
  • News
  • Sales rocket for Zenno's fuel-free satellite pointing system

Sales rocket for Zenno's fuel-free satellite pointing system

Written by  Tuesday, 16 May 2023 10:12
Write a comment
Auckland, New Zealand (SPX) May 16, 2023
Zenno Astronautics (Zenno) reports has surpassed $75M in product sales (USD 48M) for its world-first superconducting magnetorquer for spacecraft attitude control, the Z01. Built on Zenno's proprietary superconducting magnet technology, Z01 is a fuel-free satellite pointing system designed to significantly increases the range of capabilities for attitude control in space, including fully au
Sales rocket for Zenno's fuel-free satellite pointing system
by Staff Writers
Auckland, New Zealand (SPX) May 16, 2023

Zenno Astronautics (Zenno) reports has surpassed $75M in product sales (USD 48M) for its world-first superconducting magnetorquer for spacecraft attitude control, the Z01.

Built on Zenno's proprietary superconducting magnet technology, Z01 is a fuel-free satellite pointing system designed to significantly increases the range of capabilities for attitude control in space, including fully autonomous satellite positioning and extended satellite orbit time.

Zenno CEO and co-founder Max Arshavsky says achieving the sales milestone for Z01 in under a year demonstrates that the global space industry is embracing innovative technology that solves a real problem. The Zenno invention enables higher performance in satellite design and function, offering benefits well beyond the constraints of existing technologies.

Alarming in its simplicity, the Z01's pointing capabilities unlock new opportunities and new services in orbit by enabling better imagery and communications and offering the benefit of more time in space.

"Z01 is the world's most advanced spacecraft pointing technology and operates 'like a sustainable magnetic sail or electric vehicle in space' - addressing the challenges of moving objects in space while reducing the impact on the planet. Z01 radically enhances sustainability, reliability, and accuracy - as it is fuel-free, harnessing magnetic forces and solar for spacecraft control," says Arshavsky.

Zenno is planning to launch its first full-scale Z01 attitude control system in late 2023. The innovation is the first of several the six-year-old company is bringing to market to support its mission to build life in space.

Pointing and turning objects in space without fuel
Getting an ever-increasing number of satellites into orbit is only one half of the equation; satellites require persistent shifts to ensure their antenna, sensors, solar panels, and more are facing the correct directions.

Zenno's breakthrough Z01 super torquer consumes electricity only and does not require on-satellite fuel consumption for satellite control in orbit. In contrast, existing propulsion systems that enable these movements require fuel until a satellite's mission ends.

Powered by solar panels, Zenno's Z01 on-satellite hardware uses cryogenically cooled high-temperature superconductors to generate strong magnetic fields, which interact with the Earth's geomagnetic field, allowing the satellite to rotate and shift.

Smaller and lighter
Attitude control systems are one of the largest and heaviest subsystems on a satellite. Z01 is significantly smaller and lighter than existing attitude control technologies.

Arshavsky says, "Small is significant when it comes to satellites as it reduces launch costs and creates radical new possibilities for spacecraft design and deployment. With a mass of around 4kg, Z01 is around one-tenth of the weight of traditional torquers that perform similarly.

"As we can control and manoeuvre spacecraft, additional services can also be provided - that will open up new opportunities in the future, such as debris removal, construction and servicing in space. We are working on a range of innovations that use Z01 as a base technology - and will together form solutions to enable the space industry to thrive in the long term."

Analyst Summary
For readers of SpaceWar.com, Zenno Astronautics' innovation could have indirect implications on defense capabilities. The Z01's enhanced efficiency in satellite positioning could lead to advancements in surveillance, communications, and other defense-related applications. This becomes crucial as we witness an increase in the integration of space technologies into defense strategies worldwide.

From a financial perspective, stock market analysts tracking the space industry should note Zenno's commercial success. The company's significant sales milestone with the Z01 suggests a strong market acceptance of their technology. However, it would be beneficial for analysts to seek additional financial data, including Zenno's overall financial health and stock performance, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the company's standing in the market.

Industry analysts in the space technology sector would find Zenno's development particularly interesting. The introduction of Z01 signifies a shift towards more sustainable and efficient solutions for satellite control. Furthermore, the company's focus on creating smaller and lighter attitude control systems aligns with the ongoing trend in the industry towards miniaturization and cost-effectiveness.

Looking back over the past 25 years, the space industry has been striving towards developing technologies that are more sustainable and efficient. Zenno's Z01, a fuel-free satellite pointing system, represents this shift. However, to fully understand its impact, analysts should consider Zenno's market share, the performance and cost of Z01 compared to similar technologies, and the projected influence of Zenno's technology on satellite launch costs.

SpaceWar.com Analyst Report

Defense Industry Analyst - Relevance Score: 7/10

The article presents significant developments in space technology, which can impact defense capabilities related to satellites and space exploration. Although Zenno's magnetorquer technology is not directly related to defense, it could have indirect implications, such as improving satellite efficiency, which could improve surveillance, communications, and other defense-related applications. However, the lack of direct defense application limits the overall relevance.

Who Should Read This: Defense industry analysts who are tracking technology advancements that could impact the efficiency and capabilities of defense satellites and broader defense applications should read this article.

Stock Market Analyst - Relevance Score: 6/10

This article details the financial success and future plans of Zenno Astronautics, which is valuable information for stock market analysts, particularly those focusing on the space industry. However, without further information about Zenno's financial standing, stock performance, or the broader market context, the relevance is somewhat limited.

Who Should Read This: Stock market analysts interested in the space industry, particularly those looking at innovative technologies and their commercial success, should read this article.

Industry Analyst - Relevance Score: 9/10

The article is highly relevant for industry analysts in the space technology sector. It provides insights into new technology, its applications, commercial success, and the company's future plans. This could help analysts assess trends and opportunities in the industry.

Who Should Read This: Industry analysts focusing on space technology, satellite systems, and emerging trends in these areas should read this article.

Analyst Summary:

Zenno Astronautics has achieved notable sales success with their innovative superconducting magnetorquer, Z01. This technology increases the capabilities of attitude control in space and offers a more sustainable and efficient solution for satellite positioning. The company's future plans involve further innovations in space technology, potentially reshaping industry standards and practices. While the implications for the defense sector are indirect, the financial performance and innovative technology could be of interest to stock market and industry analysts.

Historical Trends and Events:

Over the past 25 years, there has been a significant push towards more sustainable and efficient technologies in the space industry. The development of fuel-free satellite control mechanisms, like Zenno's Z01, represents a significant leap in this direction. Traditionally, satellite attitude control systems have been heavy, fuel-dependent, and less efficient. The miniaturization trend, reflected in Z01's size and weight, also aligns with the industry's broader move towards smaller, more cost-effective satellites.

Fact-Finding Questions:

  1. What is the estimated market share of Zenno Astronautics in the space technology industry?
  2. How does the Z01 compare to other similar technologies on the market in terms of performance and cost?
  3. What is the projected impact of Zenno's technology on satellite launch costs?
  4. How do the potential defense applications of Zenno's technology compare to existing solutions?
  5. What are the implications of the Z01 technology for future space missions, including both civilian and defense applications?

Related Links
Zenno Astronautics
Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com


Read more from original source...

You must login to post a comment.
Loading comment... The comment will be refreshed after 00:00.

Be the first to comment.

Interested in Space?

Hit the buttons below to follow us...