The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology, has signed an agreement with Bengaluru-based Astrome Technologies Pvt Ltd to provide financial support of Rs 64.05 crore for the development of an indigenous artificial intelligence-enabled electronic intelligence (ELINT) satellite constellation aimed at national security applications, the Ministry of Science and Technology said on Thursday, November 12, IANS reported.

Source: IANS, via hi INDiA

The project, with a total cost of Rs 128.11 crore, will be funded under the government's Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund. "The programme seeks to advance critical technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-4 to TRL-9, with financial support being provided through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD)," the ministry statement said.

Rs 64.05 croreTDB support for the Astrome project
Rs 128.11 croreTotal project cost
50-kg classSize of the planned microsatellites
TRL-4 to TRL-9Technology maturity the programme targets

Small satellites, linked as one network

Astrome plans to develop and deploy a constellation of 50-kg class microsatellites designed to provide wider coverage and more frequent observation of designated areas. The company will also develop inter-satellite communication technology, allowing the satellites to exchange information and operate as an integrated network in low-Earth orbit, combining an ELINT payload, AI-based ground processing software and inter-satellite links.

The project is intended to strengthen India's indigenous capabilities in space-based intelligence gathering, data processing and secure communications, as countries increasingly look to space-based systems for strategic and security applications. TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak said the programme reflected the potential of India's deep-tech ecosystem to develop advanced space-based technologies combining artificial intelligence, electronic intelligence and next-generation communications. Astrome said the funding would help accelerate development and integration of the critical technologies toward operational readiness.

Part of a wider RDI push

In October, the TDB signed an agreement with Manastu Space Technologies for Rs 116 crore of support under the RDI Fund toward a Rs 277.63 crore project for a scalable green propulsion system for satellites and launch vehicles, according to the government.