TDB signs ₹64.05 crore agreement with Astrome for AI-enabled space intelligence satellites
New Delhi: Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has signed a ₹64.05 crore agreement with Bengaluru-based Astrome Technologies to develop an indigenous AI-enabled space intelligence satellite constellation. The project aims to strengthen India’s sovereign electronic intelligence capabilities and support national security applications. The agreement was signed under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.
The project has a total cost of ₹128.11 crore. TDB’s financial support will be provided through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD). The programme seeks to advance critical technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-4 to TRL-9 through development, integration, testing and validation.
The proposed AI-ELINT constellation will combine electronic intelligence payloads, artificial intelligence-based ground processing software and inter-satellite communication links. These technologies will enable satellites to operate as an integrated network and improve the processing of intelligence data.
The programme envisages 50-kg-class microsatellites operating in low Earth orbit. The constellation aims to increase geographical coverage and observation frequency, enabling persistent surveillance of identified areas of interest. Meanwhile, the ELINT payload will detect and analyse signals across a broad frequency range.
AI-ELINT constellation to integrate advanced satellite technologies
The AI-based ground processing software will support efficient processing and analysis of information generated by the satellites. Additionally, inter-satellite communication links will allow spacecraft to exchange information and function as an integrated network. As more satellites are deployed, the constellation is expected to progressively improve its coverage and revisit capability.
The project falls under the deep technology sector, with space technology as its sub-sector. It combines satellite engineering, electronic intelligence, artificial intelligence and secure space-based communications.
TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak said India’s growing space capabilities offered new opportunities to develop advanced systems using indigenous engineering, AI and next-generation communications. He stressed that complex technology platforms require sustained innovation, rigorous validation and long-term investment.
Pathak said the RDI Fund was supporting Indian enterprises developing frontier technologies that could strengthen strategic capabilities. He added that the Astrome project reflected the potential of India’s deep-tech ecosystem to develop sophisticated space-based solutions for emerging national requirements.
An authorised representative of Astrome Technologies said TDB’s support would accelerate the development and integration of critical technologies for its AI-enabled space intelligence programme. The representative said the company aimed to combine indigenous ELINT payloads, AI-based data processing and inter-satellite communications into an integrated constellation. The partnership would support efforts to advance these technologies towards TRL-9.
