SDR Makerspace is an ESA activity implemented by Libre Space Foundation that commissions small, open-source sub-activities exploring software-defined radio for space communications. It channels funding and mentorship to makers, radio amateurs, researchers and academic labs who would otherwise not have an onramp to ESA programs.
What LSF does
LSF runs the prime contract with ESA, issues calls for sub-activities, selects and contracts implementers, and ensures all deliverables — code, hardware designs, evaluation reports — are released as open source. LSF also hosts sdrmaker.space, publishes results, and co-organized the SDR Conference 2019 and subsequent dissemination events.
Where we’re going
Use the Makerspace model as a template for routing ESA R&D programmes to agile open-source teams, and grow a European SDR-for-space community that can react quickly to emerging mission needs.
Where the project stands
Sixteen sub-activities completed across two cycles (GNU Radio modules, SDR hardware evaluations, DNN signal detection/classification, FPGA toolchain studies, mobile SDR PoC, direct sampling platform, etc.); activity code 6B042 under ESA; implemented with HES-SO REDS Institute.
Milestones
- 2018 — SDR Makerspace activity launched
- 2019 — SDR Conference 2019 held
- 2021 — SDRMakerspace presentations published
- 2022 — second cycle of sub-activities delivered
Collaborators
European Space Agency (ESA) · HES-SO — REDS Institute, University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland · Sub-activity implementers across Europe