Andrew,

The great thing about AMSAT's GOLF program is the flexible capabilities of its communications payload.  Providing options make us more inclusive, rather than forcing you to use a specific band or mode.    GOLF-Tee will have a V/u transponder and an SDR-based  experimental package to allow a 1 Mbps downlink in the 10 GHz band.    https://www.amsat.org/greater-orbit-larger-footprint-an-introduction-to-the-...    I know you are already V/u capable, so that leaves only the 10GHz downlink    38BDU is absolutely correct.  TV LNBs are a cheap entry point to receive X-band.  Unfortunately, U.S. satellite TV frequencies are different then the rest of the World, so we have more of a challenge.  We will have to purchase from overseas or find something locally.    DirectTV's International World products look promising.  Their DTV36LNB is capable of 10GHz RX, using a 436 MHz IF.  The LNB is running about $10 USD and a companion 36" dish for $60.    QO-100 has proven that Hams will always rise up and share or offer affordable communication alternatives.  If there is a cheaper and better way of doing it, we will collectively find a way to do it.    Robert, KE4AL