Astrome Secures ₹64.05 Crore Government Support to Develop India’s Indigenous Space-Based AI-ELINT Constellation

India has taken another step towards strengthening its indigenous space-based intelligence capabilities, with the Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), signing an agreement with Bengaluru-based Astrome Technologies Private Limited to provide ₹64.05 crore in financial assistance for the development of an Artificial Intelligence-enabled Electronic Intelligence (AI-ELINT) satellite constellation.

Announced on 12 November 2026, the agreement forms part of the Government’s Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund. The project, with a total estimated cost of ₹128.11 crore, aims to develop an indigenous satellite-based electronic intelligence system integrating advanced signal detection, artificial intelligence-driven data processing and inter-satellite communication technologies for national security applications.

The programme seeks to advance critical technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-4 to TRL-9, representing the progression from laboratory-validated components towards fully developed and operationally demonstrated systems. The financial assistance will be provided through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD), supporting the engineering, integration, testing and validation activities required for technology maturation.

Indigenous Satellite Constellation for Electronic Intelligence

The project envisages the development and progressive deployment of electronic intelligence microsatellites weighing approximately 50 kilograms each. These satellites are intended to operate as an interconnected constellation in low Earth orbit, providing enhanced geographical coverage and more frequent observation of designated areas.

Electronic Intelligence, commonly known as ELINT, involves detecting and analysing electromagnetic emissions from electronic systems. Such capabilities are relevant to defence and national security applications where information about electronic activity can contribute to situational awareness and intelligence assessments.

Astrome’s proposed constellation will incorporate an indigenous ELINT payload capable of detecting and analysing signals across a broad frequency range. The satellite architecture is being developed to support the collection of electronic intelligence information from space, with the objective of increasing coverage and observation frequency as additional satellites are deployed.

The programme brings together satellite engineering, electronic intelligence payload development, advanced signal processing and space-based communications within a single integrated technology platform.

Artificial Intelligence to Strengthen Intelligence Processing

Artificial intelligence-based ground processing software forms another major component of the proposed system. The software is intended to process and analyse information collected by the satellite constellation, supporting the interpretation of electronic intelligence data.

Space-based electronic intelligence systems can generate substantial volumes of information requiring processing and analysis. Astrome’s planned AI-enabled ground infrastructure is designed to improve the efficiency of these activities and support the handling of data generated by multiple satellites operating within the constellation.

The integration of artificial intelligence with satellite-based electronic intelligence represents an important element of the project, bringing together space hardware and advanced software capabilities within an indigenous intelligence architecture.

The programme will undertake the development, integration and validation of the ground processing systems alongside the satellite payloads and communication technologies.

Inter-Satellite Communication Links to Enable Coordinated Operations

A significant technological component of the project is the development of inter-satellite communication links, allowing satellites operating within the constellation to exchange information.

Such communication capabilities are important for enabling multiple spacecraft to function as an integrated network rather than as independent platforms. The proposed system will incorporate communication technologies designed to support information exchange between satellites in low Earth orbit.

The constellation architecture envisages progressively increasing geographical coverage and revisit capability through the deployment of additional microsatellites.

Developing indigenous inter-satellite communication technologies forms part of the broader objective of establishing national capabilities across the major components of the proposed AI-ELINT system.

Advancing Critical Technologies from TRL-4 to TRL-9

The programme aims to advance its principal technologies from TRL-4 to TRL-9 through a structured development and validation process.

Technology Readiness Levels provide a framework for assessing the maturity of emerging technologies. TRL-4 generally represents component or subsystem validation in a laboratory environment, while TRL-9 indicates a system that has been demonstrated in its intended operational environment.

Under the agreement, Astrome will undertake technology development, engineering, subsystem integration, testing and validation activities required to advance the proposed constellation’s electronic intelligence payloads, artificial intelligence-based ground software and inter-satellite communication links.

The stated objective is to develop these technologies to the highest readiness level. The agreement represents financial support for the development programme rather than confirmation that the proposed constellation has already been deployed or achieved operational capability.

Government Support for India’s Deep-Tech Space Ecosystem

The ₹64.05 crore assistance to Astrome forms part of the Government’s RDI Fund, which supports technology-intensive research, development and innovation projects.

The project’s total estimated expenditure of ₹128.11 crore reflects the investment required to develop an integrated satellite intelligence platform involving advanced payload engineering, artificial intelligence and space communication technologies.

The Technology Development Board has classified the initiative under the Deep Technology sector, with Space Technology as its sub-sector.

Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of the Technology Development Board, highlighted the importance of sustained investment in advanced indigenous technology development. He stated that India’s expanding space capabilities are creating opportunities to combine domestic engineering expertise with artificial intelligence and next-generation communication systems.

He also emphasised that developing complex technology platforms requires continued innovation, rigorous validation and long-term financial support. According to Pathak, the agreement reflects the potential of Indian deep-tech enterprises to develop sophisticated space-based solutions addressing emerging national requirements.

An authorised representative of Astrome Technologies stated that the RDI assistance would accelerate the development and integration of critical technologies for the company’s proposed space-based intelligence programme.

The company identified indigenous electronic intelligence payloads, AI-based data processing and inter-satellite communications as the principal elements of the planned constellation, with the programme targeting their advancement towards TRL-9.

Strengthening India’s Indigenous Space-Based Intelligence Capabilities

The agreement between TDB and Astrome Technologies marks a significant development in India’s efforts to build domestic capabilities in advanced satellite systems and electronic intelligence technologies.

By supporting the development of indigenous ELINT payloads, artificial intelligence-based ground processing infrastructure and inter-satellite communication links, the programme addresses multiple technologies required for an integrated space-based intelligence constellation.

The initiative also reflects the expanding role of Indian private-sector enterprises in developing sophisticated technologies for strategic applications, supported by government research and innovation funding.

With a total project cost of ₹128.11 crore and ₹64.05 crore in committed RDI assistance, the Astrome programme will focus on advancing its proposed technologies through development, integration and validation towards operational readiness.

The project represents another step in India’s effort to strengthen technological self-reliance in the space and national security sectors through indigenous research, engineering and advanced manufacturing.

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