India Approves ₹64.05 Crore Funding for Astrome's Indigenous AI-ELINT Satellite Constellation Project

The Technology Development Board has approved ₹64.05 crore for Astrome Technologies to develop India's indigenous AI-powered electronic intelligence satellite constellation for national security applications.

TDB-DST Signs ₹64.05 Crore Agreement With Astrome to Develop Indigenous AI-ELINT Satellite Constellation

India is taking another significant step towards strengthening its domestic space and defence technology capabilities. The Technology Development Board (TDB), operating under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has signed an agreement with Bengaluru-based Astrome Technologies Pvt. Ltd. to support the development of an indigenous Artificial Intelligence-enabled Electronic Intelligence (AI-ELINT) satellite constellation.

Under the agreement, Astrome will receive financial assistance of ₹64.05 crore ($6.74 million) through the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.

The project has a total estimated cost of ₹128.11 crore ($13.48 million) and aims to develop advanced space-based intelligence systems for national security applications.

TDB Provides ₹64.05 Crore Funding to Astrome Technologies

The financial support will help Astrome Technologies develop and advance indigenous satellite technologies. The funding will be provided through an Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD) arrangement under the RDI Fund.

The project aims to take important technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-4 to TRL-9. This progression involves moving from technology validation to fully developed systems that are ready for operational deployment.

The initiative is expected to strengthen India's domestic capabilities in space engineering, artificial intelligence, electronic intelligence and secure satellite communications.

What Is the AI-ELINT Satellite Constellation Project?

The proposed AI-ELINT programme will focus on developing a network of microsatellites equipped with artificial intelligence-based electronic intelligence capabilities.

These satellites will be designed in the 50-kilogram class and will operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The constellation is intended to improve India's ability to collect and process electronic intelligence from space.

By combining satellite-based intelligence systems with AI-powered data processing, the project aims to enhance geographical coverage, increase observation frequency and support continuous surveillance capabilities.

The initiative will also reduce dependence on imported technologies by developing critical systems within India.

Three Key Components of Astrome's AI-ELINT Programme

The satellite constellation will be developed around three major technological components.

1. Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) Payload

The ELINT payload will serve as the primary intelligence collection component of the satellites.

It will be designed to collect electronic intelligence from space, supporting national security and surveillance requirements.

Developing this payload domestically is expected to strengthen India's capabilities in advanced electronic intelligence technology.

2. AI-Based Ground Processing Software

The project will also involve the development of artificial intelligence-powered ground processing software.

This system will help process and analyse information collected by the satellites. AI integration is expected to improve data analysis capabilities and support more efficient intelligence processing.

The software will form an important part of the overall satellite intelligence infrastructure.

3. Inter-Satellite Communication Links

Inter-satellite communication links will allow satellites within the constellation to exchange information.

This technology is expected to improve coordination between spacecraft and support the development of a connected satellite network.

Secure communication capabilities will be particularly important for maintaining reliable information exchange across the constellation.

Low Earth Orbit Satellites to Improve Surveillance Capabilities

The proposed AI-ELINT microsatellites will operate in Low Earth Orbit, which is widely used for Earth observation and satellite communication applications.

Deploying multiple satellites in orbit is expected to provide broader geographical coverage and more frequent observation opportunities.

The constellation-based approach could improve the ability to monitor different regions and support persistent surveillance requirements.

By combining electronic intelligence payloads, AI-based processing and inter-satellite communication, the programme aims to establish an integrated space-based intelligence system.

Project to Advance Technology From TRL-4 to TRL-9

An important objective of the initiative is to advance the technology from TRL-4 to TRL-9.

This will involve several development stages, including:

• Technology development and engineering.

• Satellite system integration.

• Hardware and software testing.

• System validation and performance evaluation.

• Preparation for operational deployment.

The programme will focus on developing, integrating and validating the required technologies to achieve the targeted readiness level.

This process is expected to help transform the project's research-stage technologies into operationally capable systems.

Astrome Project to Strengthen India's Indigenous Space Technology Ecosystem

The collaboration between TDB-DST and Astrome Technologies represents an important development in India's deep technology sector. The project falls under the deep technology category, with space technology identified as its sub-sector.

Its development is expected to support domestic innovation in several strategic areas, including satellite engineering, artificial intelligence, electronic intelligence and secure space-based communication.

The initiative also highlights the government's efforts to encourage private-sector participation in developing advanced technologies for national security.

By supporting Indian companies working on complex space systems, the RDI Fund aims to strengthen the country's research, development and innovation ecosystem.

Conclusion

The ₹64.05 crore financial support for Astrome Technologies marks an important step towards developing India's indigenous AI-ELINT satellite capabilities. With a total project cost of ₹128.11 crore, the initiative aims to advance microsatellite technology, strengthen electronic intelligence systems and improve space-based surveillance capabilities for national security applications.