In the fast-paced New Space ecosystem, where efficiency and flexibility are key to mission success, Software Defined Radios (SDRs) have become a cornerstone for building communication systems in small satellites. These solutions enable in-orbit reconfiguration without the need to physically modify hardware, offering a high degree of adaptability.
SDR technology for space missions can be tailored to a wide range of operational needs, optimizing both performance and effectiveness in commercial, governmental, or scientific projects.
In this article, we explore four major trends shaping the evolution of SDRs and how they’re redefining the way we approach space missions.
1. Technical Robustness: From IOD to Tangible Results
For years, many small satellite missions focused on in-orbit demonstration (IOD) for academic or experimental purposes. However, as the sector matures, the demand for robust systems that deliver real economic value and tangible results has grown significantly.
In other words, as New Space enters a new phase of maturity, the need for highly reliable systems capable of stable performance over extended mission durations becomes more critical. To meet this demand, SDRs must undergo rigorous environmental testing and be built with components validated for high-stress conditions.
One clear example of this shift is the HALT project, carried out by the European Space Agency (ESA), Alter Technology, Alén Space and the Advanced Centre for Aerospace Technologies (CATEC). The campaign involved testing SDR performance in radiation, vibration, and temperature levels beyond standard operational limits.
2. Standardisation: A Necessary Step towards Scalability
As space missions multiply, subsystem standardisation has become essential. Designing fully customised solutions increases costs and slows down mission timelines, which is at odds with the very philosophy of New Space.
Instead of designing new systems from scratch, the industry is moving towards baseline architectures that can be adapted with minimal changes. This approach helps reduce production timelines, simplify validation, and enable the serial manufacturing of SDR technology for space missions.
At Alén Space, striking the right balance between necessary mission-specific customisation and scalable efficiency is considered a strategic priority to maintain quality and accelerate the large-scale manufacturing of small satellites.
3. Industrialisation: Mass Production without Losing Quality
This is a trend that is closely linked to the previous point. Without standardisation, there can be no industrialisation or large-scale production.
To meet the requirements of large satellite constellations, SDRs must be manufactured in high volumes, similar to an assembly line, without compromising on quality or reliability. This shift, which helps reduce costs and shorten delivery timelines, requires improvements in internal processes, quality control, and supply chain management.
Alén Space is moving in this direction with projects like LEO-PNT, led by the European Space Agency, which involves the production of a large number of SDR units as communication payloads. One of the main challenges in this project is laying the groundwork for mass production tailored to different constellation types and large-scale commercial deployments.
4. Versatility: One SDR, Multiple Applications
One of the key strengths of SDR technology for space missions is adaptability, especially the ability to reconfigure systems in orbit without needing direct access to hardware.
In many cases, it is possible to combine multiple applications within a single SDR. One payload can support various use cases, such as:
- IoT connectivity
- Spectrum monitoring (SIGINT)
- Maritime and air traffic tracking (AIS, ADS-B, VDES…)
- High data-rate communications
This versatility helps reduce the need for multiple payloads on a satellite, simplifying design and improving overall mission efficiency.
In conclusion, as the space sector continues to evolve, the demand for reconfigurable, robust, and scalable radio solutions will only increase. SDR technology for space missions has clearly become a key enabler to tackle both the technical and commercial challenges of New Space.
To stay competitive, it is essential to work with flight-proven, production-ready SDR subsystems that combine flexibility with the reliability required to ensure long-term mission success.
