The Hēki Mission is an ambitious test of a superconducting magnet and power supply in space.

The Hēki Mission is a landmark demonstration of superconducting magnet technology in space, developed by Paihau—Robinson Research Institute in collaboration with domestic and international partners. Launched on 15 September 2025 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 as part of Northrop Grumman’s NG-23 resupply flight to the International Space Station (ISS), Hēki marks the first time a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet of this class has been tested in orbit.

Hēki is more than a technology payload—it is a key step towards realising Kōkako, a revolutionary electric plasma thruster that aims to transform satellite propulsion.

About Hēki

Hēki (meaning egg in te reo Māori) is a compact superconducting magnet system, roughly the size of a small doughnut, designed to validate the performance and resilience of critical components for next-generation electric propulsion. The name symbolises potential and emergence—appropriate for a mission that seeks to ‘hatch’ new knowledge in space.

The Hēki payload contains:

• a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet, capable of generating strong magnetic fields comparable to those in MRI systems

• a flux pump power supply, which energises the magnet using very low power, is crucial for spacecraft with limited energy budgets

• custom-built control electronics

• radiation sensors to assess how the magnet’s field interacts with the space environment.

The entire system has been engineered to withstand launch conditions, orbital temperatures, and electromagnetic compatibility with surrounding ISS systems. Once installed on the Japanese Experiment Module—Exposed Facility (JEM-EF), it will operate outside the ISS for approximately 15 weeks, gathering data for post-mission analysis.

The Kōkako thruster—a new era  of satellite propulsion

The Kōkako thruster, named after the endemic New Zealand bird known for its striking blue wattles and rich song, is an advanced electric propulsion system under development at Paihau–Robinson Research Institute.

Unlike chemical rockets, electric thrusters use plasma—a high-energy state of matter—to generate continuous, efficient thrust. Kōkako takes this further by integrating superconducting technology, aiming to outperform conventional electric propulsion systems in multiple ways.

At the heart of the Kōkako thruster are two core components:

• a plasma generator that creates and accelerates ionised particles

• a superconducting magnet, which guides and further accelerates the plasma stream, enhancing efficiency and control.

Thanks to the zero-resistance properties of superconductors, the system can produce strong magnetic fields using minimal electrical power. This is especially beneficial in space, where every watt must be carefully allocated.

Why superconductivity matters in space

Superconductors are materials that, below a certain temperature, conduct electricity without resistance. For propulsion, this means:

• more powerful magnetic fields without increased energy demands

• compact, lightweight hardware, ideal for mass-sensitive space missions

• extended operational lifetimes, since superconductors can maintain performance without significant degradation.

However, space presents harsh and unpredictable conditions. Before superconducting systems can be integrated into propulsion platforms, they must be proven to operate safely and reliably in orbit. That is the purpose of the Hēki mission.

Mission objectives

The Hēki mission is a technology validation flight. Its primary goals are to:

• demonstrate the viability of using HTS magnets and flux pumps in space

• validate thermal and electromagnetic performance in the orbital environment

• test compatibility with the ISS’s power and control systems

• evaluate the radiation shielding effects produced by the magnet's field

• enable future testing and refinement of the Kōkako propulsion concept.

Hēki’s successful operation will provide the data needed to refine the design of the Kōkako thruster and to scale up these technologies for practical, commercial use.

Advantages of the Kōkako thruster

Once matured, the Kōkako system offers a number of technical and commercial advantages:

• High efficiency—Capable of producing high thrust per unit of power, enabling faster transit and longer missions.

• Fuel flexibility—Able to operate with various propellants, including options that are safer and more cost-effective to store and handle.

• Scalability—Suitable for small satellite manoeuvring, space debris mitigation, and long-range missions — including to the Moon, Mars, or deep space.

• Sustainability—Lower power requirements and extended lifetimes support more sustainable and cost-effective space operations.

Together, Hēki and Kōkako represent Aotearoa New Zealand’s contribution to the future of sustainable space travel.

A collaborative achievement

Hēki and Kōkako were conceived, designed, and built at Paihau–Robinson Research Institute in Lower Hutt. But this mission is the result of close collaboration with Voyager Technologies, IDS Consulting, Asteria Engineering, the University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, and the Czech Technical University in Prague.

The names Hēki and Kōkako were gifted by Professor Rawinia Higgins, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori), and the Hēki payload is protected by a cover featuring original artwork by Māori artist Reweti Arapere, symbolising the fusion of cultural identity and scientific exploration.

Next steps

Following the mission, Hēki will be returned to Earth for detailed inspection. The insights gained will inform the next stage of development for the Kōkako thruster, including future in-space testing and eventual commercial application.

As a small institute from Aotearoa New Zealand, we are proud to contribute to the global space sector—and to demonstrate the potential of superconductivity in orbit.

Source: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/robinson/research/space-research/applications/heki-mission