The Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India has signed an agreement with Astrome Technologies Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru for financial support of ₹64.05 crore under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund. The total project cost is ₹128.11 crore aimed at developing a sovereign space-based Artificial Intelligence-enabled Electronic Intelligence (AI-ELINT) constellation for national security applications.
The project will advance critical technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-4 to TRL-9, with financial support being provided through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD). The programme involves development of an integrated AI-ELINT satellite constellation combining three key technology components: an Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) payload, AI-based ground processing software, and inter-satellite communication links.
The project envisages development and deployment of AI-ELINT microsatellites in the 50 kg class designed to operate as part of a constellation architecture in low Earth orbit. The system aims to provide enhanced coverage and increased observation frequency for persistent surveillance of identified areas of interest. The ELINT payload will support detection and analysis of signals across a broad frequency range, while the AI-based ground processing software will enable efficient processing and analysis of constellation-generated information.
The inter-satellite communication link development will enable satellites within the constellation to exchange information and operate as an integrated network. The programme will undertake technology development, engineering, integration, testing and validation activities required to advance the core systems towards TRL-9. The project falls under the Deep Technology sector with Space Technology as its sub-sector, representing convergence of satellite engineering, electronic intelligence, artificial intelligence and secure space-based communications.
Shri Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, Technology Development Board, emphasized that through the RDI Fund, TDB is supporting Indian enterprises working on frontier technologies that can strengthen the country's strategic technology capabilities. An authorised representative of Astrome Technologies stated that the support will help accelerate development and integration of critical technologies for their AI-enabled space-based intelligence programme.