Safety, stability and prosperity 2024 goals for Zenno co-founder

Max Arshavsky, the cofounder of Zenno Astronautics, is taking it easy these holidays due to having a new baby.

He and cofounder Sebastian Wieczorek had a busy end to the year with the first space launch of Z01™, its world-first superconducting magnetic torquer that revolutionises the way spacecraft navigate space.

SpaceX’s Falcoln 9 rocket blasted off from California in early December carrying six payloads, including a satellite-embedded with Zenno’s technology. Traditionally the aerospace industry has relied on thrusters to control a spacecraft’s control and positioning. The Z01 product uses cryogenically cooled high-temperature superconductors to generate strong magnetic fields that help turn satellites at a fraction of the size, weight and cost of traditional torquers.  

32-year-old Arvshavsky, Zenno’s CEO and CTO, was born in Siberia and studied physics, mathematics and engineering in Russia. He came to New Zealand at the age of 18 and continued his studies at the University of Auckland where he focused on Biomedical Engineering and Engineering Science. 

After teaming up with his cofounder, they spun out the deep tech company from the university six years ago and raised a $10.5 million seed round led by Global from Day One and Nuance Connected Capital.

The ZO1 is just the start – Zenno plans to develop superconducting magnets that enable a range of new products including radiation shielding, debris capture, spacecraft docking and more. 

Caffeine talked to Arshavsky about juggling work and holidays and his 2024 goals. Like many engineers his answers are succinct.

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How long a break are you having over the Xmas/New Year period

Two weeks.

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Where are you planning to go?

I will likely remain in Auckland due to our newborn baby.

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How do you plan to keep the business going while you have a break?

We’ll have a company-wide pause for two weeks when no work will be expected.

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In previous years have your holidays been disrupted?

Yes, two years ago I couldn’t take a Christmas break as we were closing a funding round. It is not uncommon to have holidays disrupted.

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How often will you take work calls or check emails?

I’ll remain available for emergency work calls 24/7 and I’ll check my emails once per week.

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What was your biggest work headache during 2023?

Growing a high-quality team and setting up a space lab for super conductor engineering fast enough to meet the deadlines of the launch schedule .‍

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One thing you want to achieve in 2024?

I personally do not think about goals like this. For the sake of the answer though. I’d like to bring safety, stability and prosperity to my family, team and business partners.

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Max Arshavsky's answers are part of a two-week series Break from Business as Usual Caffeine is running leading up to and during the Xmas break, featuring startup founders and ecosystem players.

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As told to Fiona Rotherham