Key innovation areas in the space sector
Figure 2 below splits the patent families from Figure 1 into technology categories:
All technology categories contribute to the increase in the number of patent families shown in Figure 1, but, as shown by Figure 2, satellites and guidance and positioning are currently the largest by a significant margin. This reflects the recent boom in the satellite industry (also dramatically increasing the importance of precise satellite guidance and positioning): the number of satellites in space is predicted to grow from around 6,000 in 2022 to nearly 60,000 by 2030.
Other large technology areas include docking and propulsion systems.
It is also interesting to note the substantial number of patent families related to habitation, safety and human activities, as well as simulating space (e.g., for conditioning crews), which indicates the interest of private as well as public entities in human space travel.
Re-entry is another key area of development in space tech. Historically, primarily humans have been safely returned from space, rather than hardware alone. As in-orbit manufacture grows, returning the outputs safely to Earth is going to be critical. Along with the substantial cost benefit of component re-use between missions, it’s likely that these support the increased filings here.
The UK Government recently released its 10 year Modern Industrial Strategy 2025, which identified space as a key sector, targeting and increasing funding in the areas of Satellite Communications; Position, Navigation and Timing; In-orbit servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing; Space Domain Awareness; and Space Data Architecture. As this reflects a more general focus in the industry, we can expect patent filings in these fields to continue to increase.
"The alignment in patent activity and known areas of priority are clear. For example, ISAM (in orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing), while not a specific category of patent classification, clearly contributes. ISAM has wide applicability to satellite repair, refuel, and lifetime extension often regardless of satellite purpose. With the cost to launch remaining high (though falling) this is not surprising."
Charlotte Lynch
Associate, Patent Attorney
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