I don't have a good definitive answer to your question, other than we had to limit the scope of our work and we chose a representative set of devices amongst the ones that people showed interest in. Despite its popularity in wireless security research, I don't think the HackRF is widespread in the satcom or cubesat communities.

As far as I know (@csete or others might correct me here if I'm wrong), HackRF is primary a benchtop Software Defined Radio, and it's excellent for testing, prototyping, etc.

The paper @csete works on is focused on the use of such devices to enable satellite communications one should take into accounts the limitations and challenges of such signals (especially when working with Low Earth Orbit satellites).

HackRF is a great product with great value; if you are seeking to experiment with a versatile Software Defined Radio. In my personal opinion, it is the "swiss army knife" of SDRs.

Thank you for the explanation, I appreciate it :)