ULOOK Develops Space-Based RF Intelligence Platform as It Joins Peak XV Surge 12

Bengaluru-based space-tech startup ULOOK is developing a satellite-based radio-frequency intelligence platform designed to detect, classify and geolocate electromagnetic activity from orbit. The company has now joined Peak XV Partners’ Surge 12 cohort, adding further momentum to its effort to build an indigenous space-based RF sensing capability.

ULOOK’s technology is aimed at creating a new layer of situational awareness that complements conventional optical and radar satellites. Instead of depending on visible imagery, the company’s system is designed to detect radio-frequency emissions generated by communications equipment, maritime systems, radar installations, satellite terminals and other electronic sources.

Building an Indigenous RF Intelligence Capability

ULOOK is developing what it describes as an autonomous RF signal intelligence stack for monitoring electromagnetic activity across large geographic areas. The platform is intended to detect and analyse emissions from systems such as Automatic Identification System transmitters, maritime radar, satellite communications equipment and satphones.

The company’s approach combines RF sensing hardware, onboard processing and software-based signal analysis. Its satellites are being designed not only to collect signals but also to classify them and determine their approximate source locations.

This capability could allow operators to identify areas of electronic activity even when conventional imaging does not provide a complete picture.

Detecting and Geolocating Signals From Orbit

The platform is being developed around a three-stage process involving detection, classification and geolocation. RF emissions are first captured by the satellite payload, after which onboard computing systems analyse the signal characteristics and identify the type of source involved.

The company is also working on geolocation technology that can estimate where a particular transmission originated. ULOOK has indicated that its longer-term goal is to achieve sub-kilometre geolocation accuracy while monitoring large numbers of signals across broad areas.

Such capability can be particularly valuable in maritime and remote regions where traditional ground-based monitoring infrastructure may be limited.

Edge AI Reduces Dependence on Ground Processing

An important part of ULOOK’s architecture is the use of edge artificial intelligence aboard the satellite. Instead of transmitting every piece of raw data to a ground station for analysis, the spacecraft can perform part of the processing in orbit.

This can reduce the volume of data that must be transmitted to Earth and shorten the time required to identify meaningful activity. Faster processing can be particularly useful in situations where operators need to react quickly to changes in the electromagnetic environment.

The combination of satellite RF sensing and onboard AI also supports the development of more autonomous spacecraft capable of making preliminary decisions without continuous ground intervention.

RF Intelligence Complements Optical and SAR Satellites

RF sensing provides a different kind of information from conventional Earth-observation satellites. Optical satellites capture visible imagery, while synthetic-aperture radar can produce images through cloud cover and at night.

RF intelligence satellites, by comparison, detect the electronic emissions produced by active systems. This means they can identify the presence of operating radars, communications devices or transmitters even when the physical object itself is difficult to observe directly.

ULOOK is developing this capability as part of a broader tip-and-cue architecture. RF satellites can first identify areas of unusual or significant electronic activity, after which optical, SAR or other surveillance satellites can be directed towards those locations for closer observation.

Strong Potential in Maritime Domain Awareness

Maritime surveillance is one of the clearest applications for space-based RF intelligence. Commercial vessels generally use Automatic Identification System transmitters to broadcast their identity, position and movement, but these signals can sometimes be disabled, manipulated or spoofed.

Independent RF sensing can provide an additional layer of detection by monitoring other electronic emissions associated with vessels. Maritime radar, satellite communications systems and other onboard transmitters can reveal activity even when normal tracking signals are unavailable.

This capability can support shipping surveillance, illegal fishing detection, fleet monitoring and broader maritime domain awareness across large ocean areas.

Defence and Strategic Applications

The same technology also has important defence and strategic applications. RF intelligence can help identify active radar systems, communications networks and other electronic emitters that may indicate military activity.

For defence users, such data can support surveillance, mission planning, electronic intelligence and broader situational awareness. A space-based sensing layer also allows monitoring across large regions without relying entirely on aircraft or ground-based sensors.

As modern military operations become increasingly dependent on electronic systems, the ability to detect and interpret RF emissions is becoming an important component of intelligence and surveillance architectures.

Founders Bring Satellite Mission Experience

ULOOK was founded in Bengaluru by Siddhesh Ravindra Naik and Adheesh Boratkar. The company’s leadership brings experience across satellite missions, autonomous systems, unmanned aerial platforms and RF engineering.

The founding team has worked across more than a dozen satellite missions, giving the startup practical exposure to spacecraft development and mission operations as it builds its own specialised RF sensing platform.

That experience is important because ULOOK is attempting to integrate several difficult technologies, including RF payload engineering, satellite design, onboard computing, signal processing and geolocation.

Surge 12 Adds Momentum to ULOOK’s Growth

ULOOK’s selection for Peak XV Partners’ Surge 12 places it among a group of early-stage companies working across artificial intelligence, robotics, healthcare, space technology and other deep-tech areas.

The company had previously raised seed funding to accelerate payload development, expand its engineering team and move its RF sensing technology towards orbital deployment.

Participation in Surge can provide additional capital, mentorship and access to a wider technology and investment network as ULOOK advances from laboratory development towards operational demonstrations in space.

Expanding India’s Private Space Technology Base

India’s private space sector is rapidly expanding beyond launch vehicles and conventional satellite imaging. Companies are now developing technologies in hyperspectral imaging, synthetic-aperture radar, satellite communications, propulsion, geospatial analytics and autonomous spacecraft.

Space-based RF intelligence represents another specialised layer within this ecosystem. It gives Indian companies the ability to build technologies that can detect electronic activity rather than relying only on imagery.

ULOOK’s development of an indigenous RF sensing and spectrum intelligence platform therefore adds an important capability to India’s emerging space-tech landscape. As the company moves towards orbital deployment, its work can strengthen domestic expertise in RF intelligence, maritime surveillance, autonomous satellites and space-based situational awareness.

---

References

ULOOK — Official company information on its space-based RF intelligence platform.

Peak XV Partners — Surge 12 startup cohort announcement.

ULOOK — Company communications on RF sensing, satellite intelligence and autonomous space systems.

ULOOK — Company communications on seed funding, payload development and orbital deployment plans.

---