Software Defined Radio (SDR) has democratized access to radio-based systems by reducing reliance on proprietary hardware and software. We present two practical SDR implementations for acquiring imagery and data from GOES satellites, relevant to educational and institutional applications. First, we describe a High Rate Information Transmission (HRIT) reception system using a repurposed Wi-Fi antenna and Sat-Dump software, providing a simple, low-cost entry point suitable for educational purposes. Second, we detail a more complex GOES Rebroadcast (GRB) system, with higher bandwidth and dual-polarization requirements, employing a 3.9 m parabolic dish, self-made Septum feed, LNA, USRP B200 mini SDR, and SatDump. This setup enables meteorological institutions and research groups to autonomously access satellite data. Together, these cases highlight SDR’s versatility in satellite data reception and its potential to provide cost-effective, independent access to Earth observation information.