The superconductor technology set to advance Japan’s space industry

Satellites only work if they can hold their position and orientation in space. If a satellite begins to tumble, it becomes ineffective. Traditionally, spacecraft attitude control has primarily relied on mechanical systems or propellant. Both approaches add complexity and can limit mission life.

Zenno Astronautics, founded at the University of Auckland, has developed an alternative. Its flagship product, Z01, is a superconducting magnetic torquer designed to provide fuel-free, fully autonomous and high-precision attitude control. The compact magnet generates a controllable three-dimensional magnetic field that interacts with Earth’s natural magnetic field, allowing a satellite to adjust its orientation without expending fuel.

Now, Zenno has signed a contract with Mitsubishi Electric Corporation to develop a high-fidelity software simulator of the Z01 Supertorquer system. Under the agreement, Zenno will build and deliver a software model that Mitsubishi Electric can use internally to simulate mission performance and integration scenarios.

The simulator will allow Mitsubishi Electric teams to assess which satellite missions are best suited to Zenno’s superconducting magnetic technology, supporting broader mission-level evaluation across its satellite programmes.

Zenno Co-Founder and CEO Max Arshavsky says, “We’re honoured to work with Mitsubishi Electric and the rapidly growing Japanese space industry, and we look forward to contributing to next-generation satellite missions through this partnership.”

Mitsubishi Electric is Japan’s only manufacturer with integrated capabilities across the entire satellite development process, from design through to assembly and testing. It has played key roles in dozens of satellite programmes for government agencies and communications providers in Japan and internationally.

Its work spans communications satellites, Earth observation and meteorology, engineering test satellites, science missions, positioning systems and ISS-related modules. Japan’s government is a major partner.

For a manufacturer operating at this scale, the ability to evaluate new control technologies at mission level is critical. Reliable attitude control is especially important for long-life communications satellites and national infrastructure missions.

Hayate Tajima, Satellite Control Engineer at Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, says, “We are truly honoured to collaborate with Zenno. Through this partnership, we aim to develop next-generation attitude control actuators, contributing to sustainable space development and innovation in the space industry.”

The work is also positioned as contributing to Japan’s future, while strengthening economic links between Japan and New Zealand through advanced space technology collaboration.

From Velocity winner to international partner

Zenno’s journey began in 2017 when the then-fledgling venture secured investment from UniServices, the commercialisation company run by Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. UniServices also provided IP advice and industry networks.

That year Zenno also won the Velocity $100K Challenge run by the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). The win secured a grant, a place in CIE’s Venture Lab incubator programme.

“I’m truly grateful for the support we received from Velocity and UniServices. It was one of the first real votes of confidence for Zenno, and at that stage, we really needed it,” recalls Arshavsky, an engineering graduate of the University.

The new simulation contract builds on Mitsubishi Electric’s strategic investment in Zenno in November 2024. Successful delivery will support deeper technical collaboration and broader integration of Supertorquer across Mitsubishi Electric’s satellite programmes.