Small Satellites Rock: A Software-Defined Radio Modem and Ground Station Design for Cube Satellite Communication

The space race has played a significant role in the history of the last half century, and satellites are among the most important parts of space race and technology. More than 6,000 artificial satellites have been deployed since the first, Sputnik, in 1957; some 1,000 are still in operation [1]. When most people not involved in satellite technologies see or hear the word "satellite," they think of satellites weighing several tons. However, developing material, rocket, and mechanical and electrical technologies are rapidly changing the world of artificial satellites.