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ESA Technology Roadmap Update: ESA 2020 Edition

The main purpose of this document is to introduce the ESA Technology Classification System, which categorizes all the technical knowledge accessible within the ESA.

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This text outlines the intent to explain the ESA Technology Classification System, an...
This text outlines the intent to explain the ESA Technology Classification System, an organizational framework encompassing all technological knowledge within the European Space Agency.

ESA Technology Roadmap Update: ESA 2020 Edition

Comprehensive Classification System for ESA Technology Domains and Space Economy Patents

In an effort to streamline access to technical know-how within the European Space Agency (ESA), a comprehensive classification system for ESA technology domains has been established. This system provides a clear and concise organization of all available technical knowledge, categorizing it into 26 Technology Domains (TDs).

The structure of the Technology Tree consists of three levels, starting with the first level, which divides the domains into 26 TDs. These TDs are further subdivided into Technology Subdomains (TSs) and Technology Groups (TGs), depending on the appropriateness of the subcategories.

Space Transportation, for instance, is one TD that encompasses launch vehicles, reusability technologies, and advanced propulsion systems. Similarly, Satellite Communications (SatCom) and Earth Observation (EO) are other TDs that focus on satellite-based communication technologies, Earth observation from space, and data processing and analysis technologies, respectively. Security and Safety is another domain that covers the safety standards and security measures necessary for space missions, as well as anti-satellite capabilities.

In addition to the Technology Tree, understanding the space economy requires examination of various sectors. These sectors include Launch Services, which covers companies that provide launch services; Satellite Manufacturing, focusing on the companies involved in the design and construction of satellites; Space Tourism, a burgeoning sector dedicated to commercial space travel for tourists; and Space Resource Utilization, which pertains to activities related to extracting resources from space, such as lunar or asteroid mining.

For researchers interested in exploring space economy patents, several resources are available. These include Patent Databases like the European Patent Office (EPO) Database and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Database, which offer access to European and U.S. patents and applications, respectively.

Research institutions such as the European Space Agency (ESA) and the International Space University (ISU) also provide valuable research papers and reports on various aspects of space technology and the economy. Additionally, national space agencies like NASA, CNES, and others offer detailed information on space technologies and patents through their reports.

Understanding the legal and regulatory frameworks is crucial for researchers. The European Union Space Law includes regulations affecting space activities, such as the use of hazardous chemicals in space programs, while International Space Law treaties, such as the Outer Space Treaty and the Liability Convention, significantly influence global space activities.

To further support research and development in space technologies, the Horizon Europe Work Programme provides funding for end-to-end satellite communications and Earth observation technologies. Furthermore, utilizing patent categorization systems like IPC (International Patent Classification) or CPC (Cooperative Patent Classification) can help classify space economy patents, with a focus on relevant IPC or CPC categories related to space technology, such as propulsion systems, satellite communications, and Earth observation sensors.

By integrating these resources and systems, researchers can effectively understand the ESA technology domains and explore space economy patents to foster innovation and competitiveness in the space sector.

  1. The Comprehensive Classification System for ESA Technology Domains encompasses areas like space technology, which is part of the Space Transportation Technology Domain (TD), focusing on launch vehicles, reusability technologies, and advanced propulsion systems.
  2. For researchers studying space economy patents, it is essential to utilize resources such as the International Patent Classification (IPC) or Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC), which can help classifypatents related to space technology, including categories such as satellite communications, Earth observation sensors, and propulsion systems.

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