OUR CONTRIBUTION The objective of this article is to propose a flexible system architecture for data broadcasting based on the adoption of: i) data gathering, processing, and formatting techniques and protocols; ii) a CubeSat for messages broadcasting; iii) SDR technology for messages reception; iv) data exchange mechanisms for information sharing among the system entities. Its applicability to different contexts, ranging from that of e-health and well-being to info-mobility, is highlighted. Particular attention is devoted to the analysis of an emergency scenario by providing details on an experimental demonstration of a designed and developed alert messaging system that has been validated in the framework of the Deorbit Satellite (D-SAT) Mission. The adoption of satellite technology in the provision of broadcast services and, in particular in the specific context of Emergency Communication, is further justified by several benefits, which range from technical to management aspects. One of the key factor is represented by the uniform (also in terms of QoS) and wide coverage the satellite provides. This allows to reach large areas, including those area characterized by the unavailability or absence of an adequate terrestrial network connection. Moreover, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites enable the access Figure 1. Flexible CubeSat-based system architecture for data broadcasting. MAY - JUNE 2018 IEEE A&E SYSTEMS MAGAZINE 57