Space and satellites
Watch the recording from our online event, organised by the Observatory on Patents and Technology, featuring expert speakers for a discussion of the latest technology, market and intellectual property (IP) trends in space innovation.
Search for inventions is cosmonautics and space observation
The EPO’s platform on space-related inventions allows users to easily identify patent documents concerning over 60 technical topics in cosmonautics and/or space observation. Patent examiners from national patent offices and the EPO have put their expertise into creating advanced search strategies, enabling those unfamiliar with patent searching to navigate through Espacenet, the world’s most advanced database for patent literature.
Inventors in space technologies
The European Inventor Award pays tribute to inventors who are making the world a better place. Meet some finalists who have been recognised for their contributions in the field of space.
Cleaning up space waste (2023)
Luca Rossettini
Luca Rossettini, the founder of D-Orbit, has developed an autonomous system to safely remove old or broken satellites, commonly known as "space garbage," from Earth's orbit.
Unlocking next-gen weather forecasts and climate models (2022)
Frédérick Pasternak
Aeronautical engineer Frédérick Pasternak has invented a space-based weather forecasting instrument that will map out gases in the atmosphere in unprecedented detail and boost the reliability of climate change forecasts.
Closed-loop shower to save water and energy (2018)
Mehrdad Mahdjoubi
The shower developed by this Swedish industrial designer uses 80% less energy and 90% less water by filtering and recycling the same 5 litres of water.
Radio signals for better satellite navigation (2017)
Laurent Lestarquit, José Ángel Ávila Rodríguez and team
Signalling technology developed by a team of European engineers not only helps Galileo deliver better accuracy and clear up signal clutter; it also pushes satellite navigation and its features to the next level.
Patent insight reports related to space
Our patent insight reports focus on future and emerging technologies. They are designed to provide valuable insights into these potentially disruptive technologies. Several of these reports concern space-related technologies.
Propulsion systems for space (2024)
This study, conducted by the EPO and the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), investigates the development of the technology of propulsion in the space sector. For the purposes of the study, a total of 4 559 patent families filed at 52 patent authorities have been identified, with applicants registered across 43 countries and inventors from 53 countries.
Space-borne sensing and green applications (2022)
The report provides insights into patenting activity in space-borne sensing technologies. The study, jointly produced by the EPO and the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), focuses on remote sensing data applications that can help to mitigate climate change. These include weather forecasting, detecting pollution, protecting biodiversity and monitoring the environment.
Quantum technologies and space (2021)
Prepared by the EPO and the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), this report provides insights into the patenting activities for quantum technologies specifically as they relate to the space sector. These technologies are primarily used in secure communications, in time and frequency transfer, as well as in Earth observation and sensing. This report considers three key quantum technologies that enable these main application areas.
Cosmonautics (2021)
This study conducted by the EPO and the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) investigates the development of the technology of travel beyond Earth's atmosphere into outer space. In the context of spacecraft, patent analysis reveals insight into technology trends, rankings of spacefaring countries and league tables of large and small industry, private and public organisations.