Faraday Factory and Zenno Collaborate on Advanced HTS Magnets for Space Technology

Advancing Space Technology with HTS Magnets

In an exciting collaboration, Faraday Factory Japan LLC, known for being the globe's premier manufacturer of superconducting tape, has partnered with New Zealand's Zenno Astronautics. This initiative aims to revolutionize the design and application of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets specifically tailored for space applications. The collaboration is set to unfold against a backdrop of over 30 years of experience in high-temperature superconductor materials science, which forms the foundation of both companies' efforts to optimize performance.

A Game-Changing Collaboration

The focus of this partnership is the development of new types of HTS tape, amongst which is the groundbreaking Mirai superconducting tape unveiled by Faraday Factory in July 2025. Zenno plans to incorporate these advanced materials into their magnet coils, targeting notable improvements in the efficiency and performance of their products. Notably, the collaboration aims to significantly enhance the capabilities of Zenno's Z01 Supertorquer, a device critical for autonomous satellite positioning and interaction.

By refining the superconductors to meet the specific demands of space, both companies hope to extend operating margins, reduce energy consumption, and lightweight their products—critical factors that can dramatically benefit satellite functionality in the harsh environment of space.

The Need for High-Performance Solutions

Space applications impose unique challenges that require innovative solutions. Current superconductors already provide substantial benefits, but as the demands of space technology evolve, so too must the materials that power them. The collaboration will focus on optimizing the temperature and magnetic field ranges suitable for Zenno's advanced equipment, ensuring that these sophisticated devices can perform at their best under the harsh conditions of orbital operations.

Sebastian Wieczorek, co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Zenno Astronautics, expressed enthusiasm about testing the new HTS tape. He noted, "Mirai could materially boost Supertorquer performance by delivering faster response and stronger magnetic dipole in the same compact, efficient form factor—enabling greater maneuverability in space."

He highlighted that this joint effort showcases the power of material science to amplify the performance of high-temperature superconductor devices significantly.

Expected Outcomes and Future Directions

The objective of this partnership is not merely to enhance current technologies but to redefine what's possible in satellite maneuverability and other relevant space applications. Faraday Factory's Director of Strategy, Sergey Samoilenkov, emphasized the importance of effective collaboration, stating that the interaction between the technical expertise of both companies is crucial for achieving tangible results in improving space technology.

As Zenno pursues cutting-edge applications for superconductivity—ranging from radiation shielding to plasma control—the synergy with Faraday Factory presents groundbreaking opportunities across the wider space sector.

About the Companies

Zenno Astronautics is a pioneering company aiming to innovate sustainable and secure spacecraft operations through superconducting magnet applications. With a mission to enable fully autonomous and fuel-free satellite operations, Zenno is at the forefront of several applications that could redefine the operational dynamics of satellites.

Faraday Factory Japan stands as a leader in the field of high-temperature superconductors, leveraging advanced pulsed laser deposition technology to consistently scale production. As demand rises across various tech sectors, including fusion and power grids, the company remains committed to enhancing its manufacturing capabilities to meet burgeoning global needs.

This collaborative project epitomizes the intersection of advanced material science and aerospace innovation, setting the stage for the next generation of technologies in space exploration and satellite operations.