would magnets work in space

the answer is yes, magnets would work in space, but they would not behave the same way as they would on Earth.

Magnetic fields are omnipresent in space and are essential to the functioning of many tools and instruments used in space exploration. However, one of the most significant differences between Earth's magnetic field and that of space is its strength. Earth's magnetic field is approximately 31,000 nanoTesla (nT), while the magnetic field in space can be thousands of times weaker. Therefore, the response of a magnetic field to a magnetic material may be much weaker in space than on Earth.

Another crucial factor that limits magnetism in the vacuum of space is temperature. Magnetic materials work best at low temperatures where the thermal vibrations of atoms are at a minimum. However, in space, the lack of atmosphere means that there is no conduction or convection of heat, and a small object can heat up to hundreds of degrees Celsius in direct sunlight. High temperatures can cause magnetic materials to lose their magnetization, making magnets ineffective.

Furthermore, magnets in space are also affected by cosmic radiation. As high-energy cosmic particles pass through the magnet, they can alter its magnetic properties, resulting in a reduction of its ability to magnetize or retain its magnetization.