Sustainable Propulsion
A space propulsion system is the primary mobility system for a spacecraft, providing thrust for orbital acquisition, alteration, maintenance, attitude control, station keeping, attitude control, close-in operations, collision avoidance, decommissioning and deep-space maneuvering.
In this report, the Sustainable Propulsion technology trend consists of the following four subcategories: batteries, electric propulsion, hydrogen/fuel cells, and sustainable carbon-based fuels.
The most important area in terms of patent family publications is electric propulsion (EP). The number of patent family publications in this area has increased from only 70 in 2000 to 293 in 2023 (Figure D16). EP systems are fuel efficient, using a fraction of the propellant required by chemical rockets for the same mission.
The second most important research area is batteries, where patent family numbers have grown from 22 to 152 between 2000 and 2023. Advanced battery technologies play a role in storing and providing energy for electric propulsion systems. However, a limitation is the low energy density of current generation batteries. Still, there is potential for specific applications such as using batteries for short bursts for maneuvering in hybrid systems or for attitude control in small satellites with solar charging.
Patent family publications for the use of hydrogen/fuel cells in space applications have increased from 2 in 2000 to 45 in 2023. Fuel cells have already been used for the Apollo missions to provide both electricity and water for astronauts.
Patenting activity in the area of sustainable carbon-based fuels for space applications has remained limited over the last years. Still, sustainable fuels have a lot of potential, given the growing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional rocket propellants.
Innovation activity was very dynamic in all four technology trends in space transportation, looking at the CAGR over different time periods (Figures D17–D19). It is notable that patenting activity in the field of electric propulsion has accelerated significantly since 2020 (Figure D17).
Figure D20 shows that inventors from China and the United States are responsible for most patent family publications. In terms of patent growth in recent years, the United Kingdom stands out, with a CAGR of patent family publications of 43% since 2018. China and the Republic of Korea have also achieved very dynamic growth rates in the recent past. In terms of RSI, however, France and the United States have the highest values, indicating an above average degree of specialization.
A closer look at RSI values over the different time periods for a broader group of countries shows that Israel has significantly increased its RSI in Sustainable Propulsion technologies for space applications over the last two decades (Figure D21). As a result, Israel has overtaken France at the top of the RSI ranking in the latest period 2020 to 2023. Other highly specialized countries include Singapore, the United States and Spain.
An analysis of the top research countries in the different Sustainable Propulsion subgroups reveals the following key findings (Figure D22):
China is the technology leader in batteries, with 643 patent families published between 2000 and 2023. The United States and Japan follow in second and third place.
China also leads in electric propulsion research, but the United States is not far behind in terms of number of patent families published.
The United States leads in hydrogen/fuel cell research for space applications. China ranks second and Germany third.
The United States also leads in the research and development of sustainable fuels. France ranks second.
Boeing and Airbus are the leading research companies in Sustainable Propulsion for space applications in terms of patent family publications, followed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Figure D23).
While the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have greatly expanded their patent portfolios in Sustainable Propulsion for space applications over the last five years, the number of patent family publications by Airbus has stagnated and Boeing, Alphabet, Lockheed Martin and Thales have significantly reduced their patenting activity.
The top research players in the foursubgroups are as follows (Figure D24):
Boeing, Airbus and China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation are research leaders in batteries for space applications.
Ariane Group, Boeing and Air Liquide have developed the most patent families for sustainable fuels.
Boeing also leads in electric propulsion research.
Airbus is the leader in research activities on hydrogen/fuel cell use in space.
Automation and Circularity
Automation and Circularity technologies in the space transport field include the areas smart production (including automation and robotics), efficient material use and recycling. Robotics technologies have a history closely associated with human space exploration, enabling the performance of tasks in remote and extreme environments such as celestial body exploration. Planetary and orbital robotics are the most prominent applications and concepts of these systems.
In terms of patent families published, the research field of smart production, including robotics and automation technologies, is by far the most important, with 397 patent family publications in 2023 alone (Figure D25). Patent family publications in the field of efficient use of materials have also increased steadily over the last two decades, but the level of patenting activity remains lower, with 62 publications in 2023. Patenting activity in recycling related to space activities remains modest, with only 11 patent family publications in 2023. Nonetheless, recycling technologies are becoming increasingly important. By turning waste into reusable resources, such technologies address the challenges of limited space, high launch costs and environmental impact, helping to make space exploration more sustainable.
Innovation activity has been dynamic in all Automation and Circularity technologies over the period 2000 to 2023 (Figures D26–D28). However, in the most recent years since 2020, patent growth rates have slowed down noticeably in smart production technologies, while growth rates have been very high in recycling, albeit from a very low level (Figure D26).
Figure D29 shows that inventors from China are responsible for most patent family publications. In addition, the CAGR of patent family publications from China since 2018 has reached more than 10%. Only France and India have achieved even higher patent growth rates in recent years.
In terms of RSI, Canada, the United States and Australia have the highest values, indicating an above average degree of specialization.
Looking more closely at RSI values over the different time periods for a wider set of countries, Canada has the highest RSI values after 2020, followed by Australia and the United States (Figure D30). Ireland had a very high RSI score in the 2000s, but its score has fallen significantly over the last two decades.
Analysis of the top research countries in the different Automation and Circularity technologies reveals the following results (Figure D31):
China has published by far the most patent family publications in smart production technologies. The United States is in second place.
China also leads in patent families in space-related recycling applications. Japan is close behind in this field.
The United States leads in patent family publications related to efficient material use.
The list of top patent holders in space-related Automation and Circularity technologies is dominated by Chinese companies and research institutions. Eight of the top 10 patent holders are Chinese, led by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), with 194 patent family publications between 2000 and 2023. Boeing (112 patent family publications) in second place and Airbus (63) in seventh place are the only non-Chinese companies among the top 10.
In terms of patent dynamics, the State Grid Corp of China and the Beijing Institute of Technology have achieved the highest growth rates since 2018.
The top research players in the three Automation and Circularity subgroups are as follows (Figure D33):
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the research leader in space-related smart production technologies. For example, its subdivision, China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), develops lunar rovers for Chinese space missions.
(7)Space.com (2024). China just sent a secret mini-rover to the far side of the moon on its Chang'e 6 sample-return probe. Available at: www.space.com/china-change-6-moon-mission-mini-rover. Boeing and Airbus are the top research companies in the field of efficient material use. For example, Airbus has recently developed a metal 3D printer for the European Space Agency (ESA) that will be tested aboard the Columbus module of the International Space Station.
(8)Airbus (2024). The world’s first metal 3D printer for space is on its way to the ISS. Available at: www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/stories/2024-01-the-worlds-first-metal-3d-printer-for-space-is-on-its-way-to-the-iss. The goal is to deliver on-orbit manufacturing capabilities to space, enabling astronauts to directly manufacture tools that could connect several parts together.No clear patent leader exists in space-related recycling technologies. Several companies have like BAE Systems and Hitachi published two patent families in this field over the last years.
Communication and Security
Communication and Security technologies are vital for space exploration and operations. For any spacecraft, uninterrupted communication with Earth is paramount. Real-time data transmission allows mission control to monitor spacecraft health, receive scientific data and send critical commands. Reliable communication is also essential for the safety of the astronauts, enabling voice and video communication with Mission Control and providing a lifeline in case of emergency.
Security is another critical issue. Spacecraft, satellites and ground infrastructure are all vulnerable to cyberattacks that could potentially disrupt operations, steal sensitive data or even render the spacecraft inoperable.
In this report, Communication and Security technologies consist of the following five subcategories: device-to-device communication, navigation, cloud, low-latency communication, and cybersecurity.
By far the most important area in terms of patent family publications is low-latency communication. The number of patent family publications in this area has increased from 1,300 in 2000 to 8,217 in 2023 (Figure D34). Latency is the time delay over a communications link and is primarily determined by the distance data must travel between a user and the server.
Low-latency communication offers a significant advantage, by minimizing these delays. Advancements in technologies like laser communication and constellations of low-Earth orbit satellites are paving the way for a new era of low-latency communication.
The second most important research area is navigation technologies, where patent family numbers have grown from 266 to 1,704 between 2000 and 2023. Precise navigation is a critical element of any space mission. Complex calculations and tracking methods are used to determine a spacecraft's position, velocity and trajectory, allowing for course corrections, if necessary.
Patent family publications for device-to-device (D2D) communication in space applications have increased from 346 in 2000 to 643 in 2023. Currently, most space communication relies on a central hub – a satellite or ground station – that relays data between different devices. This approach can introduce delays and limitations, especially for missions venturing far from Earth. D2D communication offers a more direct approach whereby Spacecraft communicate with each other directly. This can significantly reduce communication delays, particularly for missions beyond the reach of Earth-based communication systems.
Patenting activity in the area of cloud technologies in space has expanded from 15 patent family publications in 2000 to 284 in 2023. In the context of space, cloud technologies can be broadly categorized into two approaches: ground-based cloud and space-based cloud. Ground-based cloud systems provide a way for spacecraft to offload data processing tasks.
Patent activity in space cybersecurity remains limited, with only 103 patent families published in 2023.
Innovation activity has been dynamic in most Communication and Security technologies over the last two decades (Figures D35–D37). Since 2020, patent growth rates have been particularly high for cybersecurity, device-to-device and low-latency communication patents (Figure D35).
Figure D38 shows that inventors from China are responsible for most patent family publications. In addition, the CAGR of patent family publications from China since 2018 is more than 17%, only Finland and Sweden have achieved even higher growth rates in recent years.
In terms of RSI, Finland, France, the United States and Israel have the highest values, indicating an above average degree of specialization.
A closer look at RSI values over the different time periods for a broader group of countries shows that Finland and Denmark have significantly increased their RSI values in space Communication and Security technologies over the last two decades (Figure D39). As a result, these two countries currently lead ahead of Sweden, Canada and the United States in the RSI ranking in the latest period, 2020–2023.
Analysis of the top research countries in the different Communication and Security technologies reveals the following results (Figure D40):
China has published the most patent family publications in low-latency communication, navigation technologies and space cloud applications.
The United States leads in device-to-device patent family publications and in cybersecurity.
Japan and the Republic of Korea are also important research locations in most communication technologies.
The Chinese Academy of Sciences, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), Boeing, Mitsubishi Electric and China Electronics Technology Group are the leading research players in Communication and Security technologies for space applications (Figure D41).
In terms of patent dynamics, Nokia and Huawei have achieved the highest growth rates since 2018.
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has the highest RSI score, indicating a very high research specialization in Communication and Security technologies.
The top research players in the five subgroups are as follows (Figure D42):
Qualcomm has developed 355 patent family publications in the field of device-to-device communications. This is twice as many as second ranked Boeing. Qualcomm has undertaken substantial research efforts in integrating satellite communication capabilities into mobile devices.
(11)Qualcomm (2023). Qualcomm launches new satellite IoT solutions to provide uninterrupted remote monitoring and asset tracking. Available at: www.qualcomm.com/news/releases/2023/06/qualcomm-launches-new-satellite-iot-solutions-to-provide-uninter. While Qualcomm's primary focus has been on integrating satellite communications into consumer devices, its expertise in wireless technologies provides a foundation for potential advances in device-to-device communications in space.The Chinese Academy of Sciences and China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) are the research leaders both in navigation technologies and low-latency communication.
Boeing is ranked first in cybersecurity patent families.
Alphabet is the owner of most patent family publications in space cloud applications.
Human–Machine Interface
Human–Machine Interface (HMI) technologies enable astronauts and ground control teams to better interact with complex spacecraft systems. Such interfaces must be intuitive, reliable, compact and adaptable to the unique challenges of the space environment.
In this report, HMI technologies consist of the following subcategories: VR/AR/metaverse, touch displays/data gloves, facial/face recognition, voice recognition and head-up displays.
In terms of patenting activity, VR/AR/metaverse is the key subgroup, with a strong increase in published patent families in recent years, reaching 124 publications in 2023 (Figure D43). Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies offer potential benefits for training, mission planning and remote operations. Touch displays/data gloves are increasingly used to optimize interactions within the spacecraft. Patenting activity in this area has been volatile, reaching 47 patent family publications in 2023. The number of patent families dealing with facial/face recognition technologies has risen sharply since 2000, although patenting activity has recently declined after peaking in 2021. Patenting activity in space-related speech recognition and head-up displays has remained modest.
Over different time periods, innovation dynamics in HMI technologies have been mixed (Figures D44–D46). While patenting increased in all technologies from 2000 to 2019, it decreased considerably from 2020 onward (Figure D43). The sole exception is VR/AR/metaverse, where global patent family publications continue to grow.
Figure D47 shows that US inventors responsible for the majority of patent family publications. The United States also has one of the highest RSI values, together with Israel, Canada and Australia, indicating an above average degree of specialization.
In terms of patent growth, Germany outperforms all other locations, with an average annual growth rate of 5.9% in patent family publications since 2018. Patent growth in all other major inventor countries has been negative since 2018.
Looking more closely at RSI values over the different time periods for a wider group of countries, New Zealand has the highest RSI score after 2020, followed by Singapore and Australia (Figure D48). In contrast, China has a clearly negative RSI, indicating a below average specialization in research on space-related HMI technologies.
An analysis of the top research countries in the different HMI technologies reveals the following results (Figure D49):
The United States has published the most patent family publications in all five HMI technology fields. The technological lead of the United States is particularly high in touch displays/data gloves.
China is in second place in most HMI technologies, but Japan is almost at an equal level in touch displays/data gloves and surpasses China in head-up display patent family publications.
Alphabet leads the list of the four top patent holders in space-related HMI technologies, with 83 patent family publications since 2000 (Figure D50). However, Alphabet’s patenting activity in this field has declined over recent years. The same is true for third-ranked Boeing (43 patent family publications). In contrast, Sony (ranked second, with 57 patent family publications) and Samsung Electronics (ranked fourth, with 38 patent family publications) have achieved positive growth rates since 2018.
The top patent owners in the HMI subgroups are as follows (Figure D51):
Alphabet has published more than 60 patent families in touch displays/data gloves and nine in speech recognition, leading both rankings.
Sony Group, Samsung Electronics and Boeing are research leaders in AR/VR/metaverse, with more than 20 patent family publications each.
Tata Consultancy and SoftBank lead in facial recognition technologies.
Denso and RTX top the list for head-up displays.
