Speakers
Description
Software Defined Radio (SDR) has played a transformative role in democratizing access to radio-based systems by reducing the reliance on proprietary hardware and software. In this work, we present two practical implementations of SDR systems for acquiring imagery and data from GOES satellites, highlighting its relevance to both educational contexts and institutional applications.
First, we share lessons learned from implementing a High Rate Information Transmission (HRIT) reception system based on a repurposed Wi-Fi antenna and the SatDump software. Its relative simplicity, requiring neither large parabolic antennas, complex feed designs nor high-end SDR hardware, makes it an ideal entry point for educational or budget-limited applications. We detail which were the critical steps, particularly with respect to modifications to the antenna system, in order to obtain an operational setup which we successfully validated through stable reception and decoding.
Second, we discuss the implementation of a GOES Rebroadcast (GRB) system which, given its higher bandwidth and dual-polarization, requires greater technical complexity and effort. Receiving this service is particularly relevant for institutions such as the Uruguayan Meteorological Institute (INUMET) which, due to limited resources to install and operate a ground station (both technical and economical), currently relies on the Internet to access GOES data. Our system could provide INUMET with the means to achieve sovereignty over satellite meteorological and environmental data, reducing dependence on Internet-based sources, and we share key lessons learned from this deployment. In particular, we employed a decommissioned 3.9 meter parabolic dish and a self-fabricated Septum feed. These, together with the same LNA used in the HRIT setup, a USRP B200 mini SDR and SatDump, enabled reliable reception of GRB signals, demonstrating its viability as an alternative method for accessing this high-resolution imagery and environmental data. The resulting system offers a straightforward, autonomous, and cost-effective alternative to conventional solutions, which often require expensive and highly specialized equipment.
Together, these two case studies illustrate the versatility of SDR in satellite data reception and its potential to empower both individuals and institutions with greater autonomy in accessing critical Earth observation information.
| Talk Length | 15 Minutes |
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