Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced today that its ME Innovation Fund has invested in Zenno Astronautics Ltd., a New Zealand-based startup specializing in superconducting technology for space applications. This marks the ninth investment by the fund.

As satellites become smaller and more affordable, the number of satellite launches is rapidly increasing, heightening the importance of attitude control—a crucial technology for the operation of artificial satellites. Attitude control is essential for successful satellite missions, ensuring precise positioning of communication antennas, cameras, and sensors for tasks such as communication, observation, and data collection.

Zenno Astronautics, led by a CEO with extensive experience in space applications of superconducting technology, has developed an innovative satellite attitude control component. This component uses superconducting technology to generate a magnetic field with minimal energy loss, offering high-efficiency torque generation with lower power consumption and a smaller size than conventional components.

Mitsubishi Electric’s investment aims to enhance its competitiveness in the space industry by studying and evaluating Zenno Astronautics’ technology with the potential to integrate it into Mitsubishi Electric’s own satellites. This strategic move reflects Mitsubishi Electric’s commitment to advancing its capabilities in space technology.