Balerion Principal Aidan Daoussis sits down with Max Arshavsky, Founder & CEO of Zenno Astronautics, to discuss superconducting space infrastructure. Zeeno is developing superconducting electromagnetic systems for spacecraft, beginning with high-powered magnetic attitude control and expanding toward docking, formation flight, mass drivers, radiation shielding, and other space-native infrastructure.
00:00 – Introduction and Zeeno’s vision for electromagnetic infrastructure in space
02:14 – Arshavsky’s background, New Zealand origins, and the founding of Zenno
05:16 – Supertorque and superconducting magnetic attitude control
08:12 – Controllable electromagnets and fuel-free spacecraft operations
11:08 – In-space testing, flight heritage, and commercial validation
12:25 – Initial markets in MEO and replacing conventional attitude-control systems
15:30 – Mass, reliability, power, and economic advantages of superconducting systems
16:52 – Patents, technical know-how, and barriers to replication
18:07 – Electromagnetic launch, mass drivers, and moving cargo beyond Earth
21:18 – Superconductivity fundamentals and the room-temperature superconductor discussion
24:30 – From spacecraft components to superconducting-native space infrastructure
27:25 – MPD thrusters and superconducting electromagnetic propulsion
28:55 – Building a commercial business around a new technology platform
31:47 – LEO, VLEO, plasma interaction, and potential hypersonic applications
35:02 – Terrestrial applications including fusion and power transmission
37:20 – Long-lived orbital infrastructure and the evolution beyond disposable spacecraft
40:15 – Innovation, technology development, and Zenno’s broader roadmap
43:46 – Balancing long-term technical ambition with commercial fundamentals
44:42 – Zenno’s U.S. expansion and upcoming Almighty Magnet mission
46:31 – Closing thoughts on humanity’s expansion beyond Earth and electromagnetic infrastructure
