13: How Space Communication Changed with Software-Defined Radio

How do you keep communication systems in space agile, secure, and mission-ready? Software-defined radio (SDR) might be your best answer.

In this episode of Allies in Innovation, host Mikkel Svold talks with Andreas Stren, lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, and Alexander Spaniol, RF engineer at Terma. They break down how SDR shifts control from hardware to software, enables remote updates, faster adjustments to mission demands, and better risk management.

They also get into real-world SDR use cases, cybersecurity challenges, and why the tech could be a game-changer for ground stations and smaller space operators.

If you’re into the current or future space communication systems, this one’s worth a listen.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

1. Key benefits of software-defined radio in space missions.
2. How SDR enhances flexibility and re-configurability for satellites.
3. Overcoming SDR challenges: radiation effects and cybersecurity.
4. The role of virtualization in satellite communication solutions.
5. Future prospects: cost-effective and accessible ground stations

Episode Content

00:00 Introduction to Software-Defined Radio and Guests  
00:47 What is Software-Defined Radio (SDR)?  
01:43 Transition from Hardware to Software-Defined Systems  
03:15 Advantages of Reduced Hardware in Space Missions  
05:39 Flexibility and Reconfigurability in SDR Applications  
08:12 Risks and Challenges of Using SDRs in Space  
12:33 Cybersecurity Concerns in Software-Defined Systems  
14:07 Connection Between SDR and Virtualization  
16:22 Cost-Effectiveness of Virtualized Ground Stations  
17:22 Educational Impact of SDR in Aerospace Training  
28:42 Future Trends in SDR for Communication Services

Production
This podcast is brought to you by Terma.
This podcast is produced by Montanus.



Production
This podcast is brought to you by Terma. 
This podcast is produced by Montanus.