Satlab SRS-4 is a high-speed, full-duplex S-band transceiver designed for micro- and nano-satellites. It is a flight-proven communication system used to handle telemetry, tracking, and command (TM/TC) as well as high-speed data transfers. Key Technical Specifications According to the official Satlab SRS-4 product page , the device features: Operating Frequencies
: ITU space operations S-band (Transmitter: 2200 to 2290 MHz). Modulation Schemes
: Supports BPSK, QPSK, and 8PSK for transmission, and BPSK/QPSK for reception. Data Rates : Variable transmit symbol rates up to Power Output : Adjustable up to (2 Watts) with built-in power monitoring and regulation. Encryption : Features AES-256-GCM
link-layer encryption and authentication for secure communications. Integration and Form Factor
The unit is built for easy integration into standard CubeSat architectures: Form Factor : Housed in a durable aluminum enclosure following the Interfaces : Provides multiple connectivity options including (using CubeSat Space Protocol - CSP), (using IP), and Flight Heritage : It holds a
rating, with over 100 units delivered and operational in space since 2021. Upgradability
: The transceiver is fully on-orbit software upgradable, allowing for mission flexibility after launch. Operational Software source-level client libraries C and Python
to wrap the CSP protocol, which simplifies the integration of the radio into a satellite's flight software. link budget analysis for S-band transceivers or help comparing this to the SRS-3 model SRS-4 Full-duplex High-speed S-band Transceiver - Satlab
The Satlab SRS-4 is a flight-proven (TRL 9) full-duplex S-band transceiver designed for micro- and nano-satellites, with over 100 units delivered for orbital missions since 2021. Key Features & Capabilities
High Performance: Offers high-speed data transfer with symbol rates up to 5 MBd using BPSK, QPSK, or 8PSK modulation.
Flexibility & Security: As a Software Defined Radio (SDR), it supports on-orbit software upgrades, run-time configurable error correction, and AES-256-GCM encryption.
Rugged Design: Housed in a PC/104 aluminum enclosure (253 g) for EMI shielding and thermal management.
Interfaces: Utilizes CAN-bus, RS-422 (via CSP), and Ethernet, with input voltage supporting 5.1V to 28.8V.
Frequency Range: Operates within 2200-2290 MHz (Tx) and 2025-2110 MHz (Rx). srs-4 satlab
Power: Adjustable transmit output power from 20 to 33 dBm (~2W). SRS-4 Full-duplex High-speed S-band Transceiver - Satlab
The Satlab SRS-4 is a high-speed, full-duplex S-band transceiver designed specifically for telemetry, tracking, and control (TT&C) as well as high-speed data transfer on micro- and nano-satellites. It is a Software Defined Radio (SDR) platform that has achieved a Technology Readiness Level (TRL 9) with extensive flight heritage since 2021. Key Features
High Data Rates: Supports variable transmit and receive symbol rates up to 5 MBd.
Flexible Modulation: Utilizes BPSK, QPSK, and 8PSK for transmission and BPSK/QPSK for reception.
Integrated Security: Features AES-256-GCM link-layer encryption and authentication for secure communications.
Robust Hardware: Housed in a PC/104 form factor aluminum enclosure designed for the harsh space environment.
On-Orbit Flexibility: The system is fully software-upgradable while in orbit, allowing for post-launch mission adjustments. Technical Specifications Specification Transmit Frequency 2200 to 2290 MHz Receive Frequency 2025 to 2110 MHz Output Power Adjustable from 20 dBm to 33 dBm (~2 W) Sensitivity -122 dBm (<1% PER, 100 kBd BPSK) Input Voltage 5.1 V to 28.8 V Data Interfaces CAN-bus (CSP), RS-422, and Ethernet (IP) Mass Dimensions 93.0 x 87.2 x 18.0 mm
Detailed technical documentation, including the Satlab SRS-4 Datasheet, is available directly from the Satlab Product Page. SRS-4 Full-duplex High-speed S-band Transceiver - Satlab
The Satlab SRS-4 is a high-performance, full-duplex S-band transceiver specifically engineered for the demanding requirements of micro- and nano-satellites (CubeSats). Developed by Satlab A/S, this software-defined radio (SDR) serves as a critical communication link, enabling high-speed data transfer between a spacecraft and ground station networks. Core Functionality & Design
The SRS-4 is designed to operate within the ITU space operations S-band frequencies, facilitating both telemetry/telecommand (TM/TC) and high-speed payload data transmission. Its architecture is built on a polyimide PCB for superior thermal reliability, housed in a rugged, milled aluminum enclosure that provides essential EMI shielding and thermal management in the harsh vacuum of space. Key Technical Specifications
The transceiver offers a versatile range of configurations to suit various mission profiles: Frequency Range: Transmitter: 2200 to 2290 MHz. Receiver: 2025 to 2110 MHz. Modulation Schemes: TX: BPSK, QPSK, and 8PSK. RX: BPSK and QPSK.
Data Rates: Supports variable symbol rates up to 5 MBd, with total data throughput capabilities reaching up to 100 Mbps depending on the configuration.
Power Output: Adjustable output power ranging from 20 to 33 dBm (up to ~2 Watts) with integrated power monitoring and regulation. Physical Characteristics: Mass: 253 grams. Satlab SRS-4 is a high-speed, full-duplex S-band transceiver
Dimensions: 93.0 x 87.2 x 17.5 mm (PC/104 form factor compatible).
Power Consumption: Efficient operation with a typical RX-only consumption of 1.5 W and a combined RX+TX consumption of 10.8 W at maximum output. Advanced Features for Satellite Missions
The SRS-4 stands out for its flexibility and security features:
Software Defined Architecture: The unit is fully on-orbit software upgradable, allowing mission operators to update communication protocols or fix bugs after launch.
Security: It includes AES-256-GCM link-layer encryption and authentication to ensure secure data transmission.
Connectivity: Equipped with multiple interfaces, including CAN-bus and RS-422 using the CubeSat Space Protocol (CSP), as well as Ethernet for IP-based data handling.
Interoperability: The system follows CCSDS recommendations for channel coding, ensuring compatibility with most commercial and independent ground station networks worldwide. Applications and Availability
The SRS-4 is primarily used in LEO (Low Earth Orbit) missions where high-speed downlinks are required for imagery, scientific data, or complex telemetry. It is often integrated into CubeSat platforms provided by manufacturers like NanoAvionics, where it is listed at a price point of approximately €20,390 per unit.
For engineers looking to integrate the SRS-4, Satlab Geosolutions provides comprehensive support libraries in C and Python, along with GNU Radio example flowgraphs for ground testing and verification. Satlab SRS-4 Datasheet Revision 1.2
The Satlab SRS-4 is a high-speed, full-duplex S-band transceiver designed for micro- and nano-satellites. Developed by Satlab A/S, this Software Defined Radio (SDR) provides a reliable communication link for telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) as well as high-volume payload data downlinks. High-Speed Performance and Flexibility
The SRS-4 represents a significant upgrade over previous generations, offering a variable transmit symbol rate of up to 5 MBd. It is engineered to operate on standard ITU space operations frequencies, facilitating easy integration with various commercial and independent ground station networks. Key Specifications:
Frequency Range: TX (2200 to 2290 MHz) and RX (2025 to 2110 MHz).
Modulation: Supports BPSK, QPSK, and 8PSK for transmission; BPSK and QPSK for reception. Mass & Power Budget (summary)
Output Power: Adjustable up to 33 dBm (approximately 2W) with active power monitoring and regulation. Sensitivity: High receiver sensitivity of -122 dBm.
Dimensions: Compact PC/104 form factor (93.0 x 87.2 x 18.0 mm).
Weight: Weighs approximately 253g, making it ideal for mass-constrained CubeSat missions. Advanced Communication Features
The SRS-4 is built on a robust second-generation SDR platform with a high Technical Readiness Level (TRL 9), having demonstrated flight heritage since 2021.
Software Defined Core: The transceiver is fully upgradable on-orbit, allowing operators to deploy firmware updates or new features after launch.
Advanced Encryption: Includes AES-256-GCM link-layer encryption and authentication to secure sensitive space-to-ground communications.
Versatile Interfaces: Equipped with CAN-bus, RS-422 (utilizing the CubeSat Space Protocol (CSP)), and Ethernet for high-speed IP traffic forwarding.
Coding & Error Correction: Features run-time configurable convolutional and Reed-Solomon forward error correction. Application and Integration
The Satlab SRS-4 is often paired with passive external antennas and is designed to fit seamlessly into micro-satellite architectures. It uses high-reliability Harwin Gecko connectors and a milled aluminum enclosure for EMI shielding and thermal management.
For ground testing, Satlab provides GNU Radio example flowgraphs, enabling engineers to validate radio interfaces before launch. The device's ability to handle both CSP and IP routing simultaneously makes it a flexible choice for modern satellite missions requiring high-speed data transfer and complex networking.
🛰️ Key Takeaway: The SRS-4 is a combat-proven, high-bandwidth solution for satellite operators needing secure, high-speed S-band communications in a compact, CubeSat-compatible package. To help you further with the SRS-4, Learn more about its CSP or Ethernet integration? Find information on compatible ground station networks? Satlab SRS-4 Datasheet Revision 1.2
The SatLab SRS-4 is a cost-effective, field-rugged GNSS receiver that upgrades a smartphone or tablet to sub-metre or centimetre-level accuracy. It is ideal for GIS professionals, environmental scientists, and utility surveyors who need reliable positioning without the bulk or expense of traditional survey-grade equipment.
For the latest firmware, software compatibility, and pricing, visit the official SatLab website or contact an authorised distributor.
For decades, satellite ground stations (SGS) were defined by rigid, proprietary hardware. If you wanted to track a satellite, you needed a specific brand of demodulator, a specific antenna controller, and a closed-loop software suite.
The modern landscape has shifted toward Software Defined Radio (SDR) and Ground Station as a Service (GSaaS) models. A setup involving a "SatLab" SDR interface and an SRS (Satellite Reception System) architecture represents the bleeding edge of this shift: moving waveform processing from custom silicon to general-purpose compute.