BENGALURU, — The Indian government has approved ₹64.05 crore in financial support for Bengaluru-based Astrome Technologies Pvt Ltd to develop an indigenous Artificial Intelligence-enabled Electronic Intelligence (AI-ELINT) satellite constellation for national security applications.
The agreement was signed by the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The funding comes under the government's Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund and is structured as Optionally Convertible Debt, rather than a direct grant.
The total project cost is ₹128.11 crore, with government support covering approximately half of the investment. The programme aims to advance the technology from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 to TRL 9, the stage at which a system is demonstrated and validated for operational use.
50 kg Microsatellites to Form AI-ELINT Constellation
Astrome plans to develop and progressively deploy 50 kg-class microsatellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Operating as a constellation, the satellites are designed to provide wider geographical coverage and more frequent observation of designated areas, supporting persistent surveillance.
The system will combine three main technologies:
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Indigenous ELINT Payload: Designed to detect, intercept and analyse electronic signals across a broad frequency range.
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AI-Based Ground Processing: Artificial intelligence software will process data collected by satellites to improve the speed and efficiency of intelligence analysis.
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Inter-Satellite Communication: Direct links between satellites will allow them to exchange information and operate as an integrated network.
Project Targets TRL-9 Operational Readiness
The programme includes technology development, engineering, system integration, testing and validation to advance the system from TRL-4 to TRL-9. It combines satellite engineering, electronic intelligence, artificial intelligence and secure space-based communications.
TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak said developing such advanced platforms requires sustained innovation, rigorous validation and long-term investment. He added that the RDI Fund is supporting Indian companies developing advanced technologies for the country's strategic requirements.
An authorised representative of Astrome Technologies said the financial support would accelerate the development and integration of critical technologies for the AI-enabled space intelligence programme.
The project marks another step in India's effort to strengthen indigenous space-based intelligence, surveillance and secure communication capabilities through domestic private-sector participation.
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