Notably, the majority of patent filings are related to signal processing, involving software rather than hardware, amounting to new ways of deciphering and analysing the data that satellites deliver. The sheer volume of available data presents both a challenge and an opportunity, in terms of maintaining long-term data continuity over time as well as applying AI and machine learning for pattern and feature recognition and ‘Big Data’ analysis.

The survey also helps forecast future technology developments, including continued instrument and platform miniaturisation and improved ‘cost ratios’ through increased standardisation and operational lifetimes, with the level of patent filings projected to go on growing, especially as many of the technologies developed so far are strongly supportive of the achieving of numerous United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.