New Delhi: Can India build its own AI-powered satellite intelligence network instead of depending on external capabilities? Bengaluru-based deep-tech startup Astrome Technologies is taking a step in that direction with ₹64.05 crore in financial support from the Technology Development Board (TDB) to develop an indigenous space-based Artificial Intelligence-enabled Electronic Intelligence (AI-ELINT) constellation for national security applications.
The agreement, signed between TDB, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and Astrome Technologies Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru, Karnataka, is part of the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.
With a total project cost of ₹128.11 crore, the programme aims to advance critical indigenous technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-4 to TRL-9.
The financial support is being extended through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD), covering the development of an integrated satellite intelligence system combining electronic intelligence payloads, AI-based ground processing software and inter-satellite communication links.
Astrome Technologies to Develop AI-Powered Satellite Constellation
The project comes amid the growing strategic importance of space-based systems for intelligence gathering, communication and data processing.
With the increasing need for indigenous capabilities in these areas, satellite constellations are emerging as important platforms for maintaining persistent coverage across large geographical regions.
Through this initiative, Astrome Technologies aims to develop an integrated AI-ELINT satellite constellation that combines three major technology components: an Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) payload, AI-based ground processing software and inter-satellite communication links.
The integration of these technologies is intended to enable the constellation to collect, process and exchange intelligence-related information through an interconnected satellite network.
The project will involve the development and progressive deployment of AI-ELINT microsatellites in the 50 kg class.
These satellites are designed to operate as part of a constellation architecture, with the objective of providing enhanced geographical coverage and increasing observation frequency.
The ELINT payload will form a critical component of the satellite system. It is intended to support the detection and analysis of signals across a broad frequency range, contributing to the constellation’s electronic intelligence capabilities.
Alongside the satellite hardware, Astrome Technologies will develop AI-based ground processing software to facilitate the efficient processing and analysis of information generated by the constellation.
Inter-Satellite Communication and Low Earth Orbit Architecture
Another key component of the project is the development of inter-satellite communication links, which will enable satellites within the constellation to exchange information and function as an integrated network.
The proposed architecture will comprise satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). As additional satellites are progressively deployed, the constellation aims to expand its geographical coverage and improve its revisit capability.
The inter-satellite communication system is expected to play an important role in enabling coordination and information exchange between satellites, while the AI-based ground processing infrastructure will support the analysis of data generated by the network.
Astrome Technologies will undertake technology development, engineering, integration, testing and validation activities as part of the programme.
These activities are intended to advance the project’s core technologies from TRL-4 towards TRL-9, the target level for the programme.
TDB’s ₹64.05 Crore Support Under RDI Fund
The project falls under the Deep Technology sector, with Space Technology identified as its sub-sector.
It brings together multiple advanced technology domains, including satellite engineering, electronic intelligence, artificial intelligence and secure space-based communications.
The ₹64.05 crore financial support from TDB will help Astrome Technologies advance the development and integration of these technologies.
With the total project cost estimated at ₹128.11 crore, the programme is aimed at taking the proposed AI-ELINT constellation from technology development to an advanced stage of validation.
Speaking about the agreement, Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, Technology Development Board, said: “India’s growing capabilities in space technology are creating new opportunities to develop advanced systems that combine indigenous engineering with 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.”
Astrome Technologies on AI-Enabled Space Intelligence Programme
Commenting on the financial support, an authorised representative of Astrome Technologies said: “The support from TDB under the RDI Fund will help us accelerate the development and integration of critical technologies for our 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 partnership between TDB and Astrome Technologies is focused on developing indigenous capabilities across the satellite hardware, electronic intelligence, AI-based data processing and space communication segments.
With the proposed deployment of 50 kg-class microsatellites in Low Earth Orbit, the project aims to establish an integrated space-based AI-ELINT constellation for national security applications while advancing the underlying technologies towards TRL-9.
