India backs indigenous AI-powered satellite intelligence system with ₹64.05 crore funding
TDB commits ₹64.05 crore to Bengaluru-based Astrome Technologies to develop an indigenous AI-enabled satellite intelligence constellation for national security applications.
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 financial support under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.
NEW DELHI: India is stepping up its indigenous space and artificial intelligence capabilities with a ₹64.05 crore government-backed project to develop a sovereign space-based Artificial Intelligence-enabled Electronic Intelligence (AI-ELINT) satellite constellation for national security applications.
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 financial support under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.
The project has a total estimated cost of ₹128.11 crore and aims to advance critical technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-4 to TRL-9. The financial assistance will be provided through an Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD) arrangement.
The initiative brings together three major technology components: an Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) payload, artificial intelligence-based ground processing software and inter-satellite communication links.
50 kg-class microsatellites planned
The project envisages the development and progressive deployment of AI-ELINT microsatellites in the 50 kg class, operating as part of a constellation in low Earth orbit.
The proposed satellite network is designed to provide wider geographical coverage and increased observation frequency, supporting persistent surveillance of identified areas of interest.
The ELINT payload will enable the detection and analysis of signals across a broad frequency range. Information generated by the constellation will be processed and analysed through AI-based ground software, enabling more efficient handling of complex data.
The inter-satellite communication system will allow satellites within the constellation to exchange information and function as an integrated network.
The project will cover technology development, engineering, system integration, testing and validation required to advance the core technologies towards TRL-9.
Strengthening India’s strategic technology ecosystem
The project represents the convergence of satellite engineering, electronic intelligence, artificial intelligence and secure space-based communications. It falls under the Deep Technology sector, with Space Technology as its sub-sector.
As space-based systems gain strategic importance for intelligence gathering, communication and data processing, the development of indigenous capabilities is becoming increasingly important for national security.
Speaking about the initiative, TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak said India’s growing space technology capabilities were creating opportunities to develop advanced systems combining indigenous engineering, artificial intelligence and next-generation communications.
He emphasised that developing 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 capabilities.
An authorised representative of Astrome Technologies said the financial support would accelerate the development and integration of critical technologies for its AI-enabled space-based intelligence programme.
The company aims to combine indigenous ELINT payloads, AI-based data processing and inter-satellite communications into an integrated constellation capability and advance these technologies towards TRL-9.
The project marks another step in India’s efforts to strengthen its domestic deep-tech ecosystem and develop advanced space-based capabilities for strategic applications.
