Zenno Astronautics has been awarded a contract by Germany’s Federal Agency for Breaktrhough Innovation (SPRIND) to develop a new generation of autonomous satellite operation software, enabled by the Supertorquer, Zenno’s breakthrough superconducting magnetic technology.
The project, titled Autonomous Fuel-Free Agility in Space, focuses on creating artificial-intelligence-assisted control algorithms and simulation environments that enable precise close-proximity satellite operations without chemical propulsion. Using Zenno’s compact superconducting magnets, spacecraft will be able to safely and efficiently perform close-proximity operations such as docking, servicing, and in-orbit assembly—all without fuel consumption.
“This validation contract from SPRIND is a major step for us,” said Max Arshavsky, co-founder and CEO of Zenno Astronautics. “It will help bring Zenno technology to Europe and accelerate its adoption in the next generation of autonomous space systems. We look forward to working with SPRIND to push the boundaries of how spacecraft can cooperate in orbit.”
The project will run for nine months and includes the development of AI-based control algorithms, a virtual multi-agent simulation sandbox, and a physical demonstration platform using Zenno’s magnetic systems. It will draw on Zenno’s expertise in superconducting electromagnetics and flight-proven software algorithms to enable real-time, closed-loop control of spacecraft interactions in orbit.
Zenno’s co-founder and Chief Product Officer Sebastian Wieczorek added, “Autonomous electromagnetic formation flight will redefine how satellites move and work together in orbit. By enabling close-proximity and fully autonomous operations, this technology lays the foundation for assembling megastructures in space — one of the industry’s long-standing aspirations. It will also make historically complex tasks, such as docking with another spacecraft, servicing satellites, or removing debris, far more streamlined and routine, much like self-driving has transformed modern electric vehicles.”
Zenno Astronautics is building next-generation hardware and software for spacecraft manoeuvrability, leveraging solar energy and the Earth’s magnetic field to drive real impact. With its operational base in Auckland and a rapidly expanding network of global partners across the US, Europe, and Asia, Zenno is not only positioning New Zealand as a world-class space-technology nation — it is also establishing a strong foothold in Europe. In Europe, Zenno has founded its European entity in the Space Area Munich and aims to grow the company and its strategic role there over the next few years.
SPRIND Team Members Stella Meiré (Research & Business Analyst) and Julius Keil (Project Manager) state: “At SPRIND, we are seeking breakthrough innovations that will place Europe at the forefront of space exploration. Zenno stands out with a completely new, fuel- and mechanically-free magnetic-control system that precisely aligns satellites, eliminates mechanical wear, and thereby significantly extends their orbital lifetime. We are delighted to validate, through our contract with Zenno, the first universal CPO solution within a virtual simulation environment, thus establishing the foundation for autonomous maintenance and docking manoeuvres in space."
Click here to know more about Zenno's Supertorquer
