Abstract: An electromagnetic thrust bearing couples a rotatable member relative to a stationary member utilizing a combination of controllable electromagnets and a radially polarized permanent magnet, each physically associated with the stationary member. In one embodiment the rotatable member comprises a shaft having a pair of axially spaced apart thrust discs fixed thereto. A pair of solenoids are disposed about the rotatable member between the spaced apart thrust discs in oppositely facing relating to axially-facing sides of the thrust discs. The solenoids are capable of generating a controllable electromagnetic field. An arcuate radially polarized permanent magnet is disposed between the solenoids to generate a constant flux high density magnetic field between a solenoid housing and the thrust discs. In a second embodiment, a pair of solenoids are disposed about the rotatable member in facing relating on opposite sides of a single thrust disc.