The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has signed an agreement with Bengaluru-based Astrome Technologies Pvt Ltd to provide Rs 64.05 crore in financial support under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund for developing an indigenous space-based Artificial Intelligence-enabled Electronic Intelligence (AI-ELINT) satellite constellation.
The project, with a total estimated cost of Rs 128.11 crore, aims to develop a sovereign space-based intelligence system for national security applications. The financial assistance will be provided through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD).
The programme seeks to advance critical technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-4 to TRL-9 through technology development, engineering, integration, testing and validation.
The proposed system will integrate three key components: an Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) payload, AI-based ground processing software and inter-satellite communication links.
Under the project, Astrome plans to develop and progressively deploy microsatellites weighing approximately 50 kg each, operating as part of a constellation in low Earth orbit (LEO).
The constellation is designed to provide wider geographical coverage and more frequent observations, supporting persistent surveillance of identified areas of interest.
The ELINT payload will facilitate the detection and analysis of signals across a broad frequency range, while AI-based ground processing software will enable efficient processing and analysis of data generated by the satellites.
The project also involves developing inter-satellite communication links to enable satellites within the constellation to exchange information and function as an integrated network. The proposed architecture aims to progressively improve coverage and revisit frequency as additional satellites are deployed.
The initiative falls under the deep technology sector, with space technology as its sub-sector, bringing together satellite engineering, electronic intelligence, artificial intelligence and secure space-based communications.
TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak said India’s growing capabilities in space technology were creating opportunities to develop advanced systems integrating indigenous engineering, artificial intelligence and next-generation communications.
“Building such complex technology platforms requires sustained innovation, rigorous validation and long-term investment. Through the RDI Fund, TDB is supporting Indian enterprises working on frontier technologies that can strengthen the country’s strategic technology capabilities. The project with Astrome reflects the potential of India’s deep-tech ecosystem to develop sophisticated space-based solutions for emerging national requirements,” he said.
An authorised representative of Astrome Technologies said the TDB support would accelerate the development and integration of critical technologies for its AI-enabled space-based intelligence programme.
“By bringing together indigenous ELINT payloads, AI-based data processing and inter-satellite communications, we aim to develop an integrated constellation capability that can address emerging requirements in the space and national security domains. This partnership will support our efforts to advance these technologies towards TRL-9,” the representative said.
The project is expected to strengthen India’s indigenous capabilities in advanced satellite systems, electronic intelligence and AI-driven space technologies.
(PIB)
