Space technologies find new life on Earth

ESA engineers are experts in space technologies and contribute to solve problems faced by development projects and ESA missions. ESA applies for patents when its staff creates inventions then makes these cutting-edge innovations available to industry across the space sector within its Member States.

ESA’s Technology Transfer and ESA’s Patents Office typically files about 10 new patent applications per year. To date, ESA has a portfolio of 117 inventions protected by 551 granted patents and patent applications.  

ESA’s patents cover a wide range of technologies, from propulsion systems to satellite altimetry methods. They are instrumental in advancing space missions and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of space technologies.  

Nuria Hernández Alfageme, Engineering Patent Portfolio Manager at ESA commented, “Some ESA inventions are so advanced that it takes time for them to be adopted by industry but then we support industry to make sure that when they face technical problems ESA experts can help them find solutions and support them in the best way.”  

In line with ESA’s Strategy 2040 to support commercialisation of space in Europe, ESA has a permanent open call for ideas (OSIP) to companies and startups. It also offers technology transfer services, various funding opportunities or facilitates access to private investment. ESA laboratory facilities can be used for testing. Further tailored support is available through ESA’s Directorate of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness. 

35 years of Technology Transfer

Luca del Monte, Head of the Commercialisation department at ESA who presented at the event, said: “In 2025, ESA celebrates 35 years of Technology Transfer. ESA’s space-related innovation network is made up of almost 200 professionals from around Europe to help industry succeed: Technology Brokers, ESA Business incubation managers, PhiLab managers, and Business Applications Ambassadors. So far, this has achieved more than 450 technology transfers,”

“Innovation is core to ESA missions as building for space is a complex business. This offers up a wealth of new business opportunities through technology transfer to grow Europe’s know-how, create jobs and prosperity and improve lives. Europe’s private investment in space continues to increase, reaching a new record high in 2024, with European space ventures raising more than €1.5 billion (+56% from 2023),” he added.

ESA’s stand presented an array of ESA innovation success stories as inspiration for novel business opportunities, products and services:

Two OMEGA watches were on display, the Speedmaster X-33 Skywalker and the Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer, which incorporate advanced technologies developed by ESA. The Marstimer is the first wristwatch to display the time on Earth and Mars. Developed in partnership with ESA’s Mars exploration teams and tested at ESA–ESTEC, this timepiece is space-tough and Mars-mission ready.

Digital Video Broadcast DVB-S2 & DVB-S2X enabled by ESA patents is used by most satellite operators worldwide for television and data broadcasting services. It allows services such as: Digital Satellite News Gathering; Direct-to-Home broadcasting; Maritime and civil aviation internet access; and Small portable terminals for journalists and other professionals. It is the essential standard for technology for DVB-S2 standard (ETSI EN 302 307).

Germany’s Terraplasma Medical, initially supported by ESA Business Incubation Centre Bavaria, has developed a treatment for bacterial infection in wounds and other skin treatment devices by applying ‘cold plasma’ stemming from experiments on the International Space Station. 

This year marks 50 years of ESA and space innovation. In a joint celebration at the 50^th edition of the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions, ESA shared with the public how it contributes to innovation and how Technology Transfer helps bridge the gap between space and terrestrial markets to elevate the future of Europe.