Abstract Software Defined Radio (SDR) uses a processor, a special receiver and software that play the main parts of the receiver (mixer, filters, amplifiers, modulators, demodulators, etc.) and it is quite advantageous for its flexibility and compact size as it reduces the amount of hardware components while adapting for different needs. This work briefly presents the SDR concept and approach for obtaining satellite telemetries and imagery in the context of different modulation schemes, link budget requirements and different satellites types. Two case studies are presented for supporting affordable ground segment and promoting satellites projects in Brazil. Reception from the 1st Brazilian picosatellite, Tancredo-1, with specific software developed, UbaTM... |