Zenno Astronautics to Launch World's Most Powerful Magnetic Actuator in 2026

Zenno Astronautics has integrated its Supertorquer superconducting magnetic actuator onto Portal Space Systems' Starburst-1 spacecraft. The system is designed to provide fuel-free control authority and precision interactions by leveraging solar energy and Earth's magnetic field.

The Supertorquer is the most powerful superconducting magnetic actuator of its kind ever built. It will be demonstrated on the Starburst-1 mission, an ESPA-class spacecraft scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. The mission will deploy via SpaceX's Transporter-18 ride-share into a sun-synchronous orbit.

The Shift to Magnetic Control

Traditional spacecraft attitude control typically relies on reaction wheels or propellant-based thrusters. While standard magnetic actuators, known as magnetorquers, have long interacted with planetary magnetic fields to create torque, they often lack the power required for complex maneuvers. Superconducting versions like the Supertorquer aim to significantly increase this power, enabling more precise and efficient maneuvering during rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO).

Max Arshavsky, Founder and CEO of Zenno, stated that the company is building next-generation hardware for space maneuverability to drive real impact by utilizing the environment's natural magnetic and solar resources.

Strategic and Industrial Implications

Fuel-free control authority is critical for the longevity and agility of proliferated space architectures. By reducing the reliance on limited onboard propellant for attitude control, both commercial and defense operators can extend the operational lifespan of satellites. Furthermore, the increased precision in close-proximity interactions is essential for orbital servicing and national security missions.

The development of this technology is supported by government investment in Auckland-based Zenno Astronautics via New Zealand Growth Capital Partners' Aspire Seed Fund. This investment is part of a broader strategic push by New Zealand to bolster its ties with the U.S. military-industrial complex.

Future Outlook

The upcoming flight on Transporter-18 will serve as a primary validation of the Supertorquer's performance in a live orbital environment. If successful, the technology could redefine how satellites maintain orientation and interact with other objects in space without depleting finite fuel reserves. Observers will be watching the Q4 2026 launch to see if the actuator delivers the promised leap in power and precision over existing magnetic systems.