₹64.05 crore contract signed to enhance India's space-based intelligence capabilities

In a significant step towards strengthening India's indigenous space-based intelligence and advanced satellite technology capabilities, the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, has signed an agreement with Bengaluru-based Astrom Technologies Private Limited. According to a PIB Delhi report, financial assistance of ₹64.05 crore will be provided for this project under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) fund.

The total cost of this project is ₹128.11 crore, with the primary objective of developing an indigenous space-based Artificial Intelligence-enabled Electronic Intelligence (AI-ELINT) constellation for national security applications. The programme aims to advance critical technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-4 to TRL-9. This financial assistance will be provided through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD).

Given the growing strategic requirements, developing indigenous technology for intelligence gathering, communication, and data processing has become crucial. Space-based constellations can provide continuous coverage over vast geographical areas, while the development of Artificial Intelligence will enable rapid processing and interpretation of complex data. Astrom's project seeks to address these needs through the development of an integrated AI-ELINT satellite constellation.

The programme includes three main technology components: Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) payload, AI-based ground processing software, and inter-satellite communication links. Under this project, the development and sequential deployment of 50 kg class AI-ELINT microsatellites is envisioned, designed to function as part of the constellation architecture. This proposed system aims to provide better coverage and observation frequency, which will assist in continuous monitoring of identified areas of interest.

The ELINT payload is the core part of this proposed system, which will work to detect and analyse signals across a wide frequency range. Along with the satellite hardware, the AI-based ground processing software is designed for efficient processing and analysis of information generated by the constellation. Additionally, the project involves the development of inter-satellite communication links, which is a necessary capability for satellites within the constellation to exchange information and work as an integrated network.

The proposed constellation architecture is based on satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), aiming for a gradual increase in coverage and revisit capability by deploying additional satellites. Under this programme, technology development, engineering, integration, testing, and necessary validation activities to take core systems to TRL-9 will be undertaken. This project falls under the deep technology sector, with space technology as its sub-sector. It represents the convergence of advanced technologies such as satellite engineering, electronic intelligence, artificial intelligence, and secure space-based communications.

Mr Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of the Technology Development Board, stated that India's growing capabilities in space technology are creating new opportunities to develop advanced systems that combine indigenous engineering with artificial intelligence and next-generation communications. He added that building such complex technology platforms requires continuous innovation, rigorous validation, and long-term investment. Through the RDI fund, TDB is supporting Indian companies working on advanced technologies that can strengthen the country's strategic technology capabilities. This project with Astrom demonstrates the capability of India's deep-tech ecosystem to develop cutting-edge space-based solutions for emerging national needs.

An authorised representative of Astrom Technologies stated that the support received from TDB under the RDI fund will help us accelerate the development and integration of critical technologies for our AI-enabled space-based intelligence programme. By bringing together indigenous ELINT payloads, AI-based data processing, and inter-satellite communications, we aim to develop an integrated constellation capability that can meet emerging needs in the space and national security sectors. This partnership will support our efforts to take these technologies to TRL-9.