AI-enabled Electronic Intelligence (AI-ELINT) constellation being developed for national security applications
In a significant step towards strengthening India’s indigenous space-based intelligence and advanced satellite technology capabilities, the Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology (DST), has signed an agreement with Astrome Technologies Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru, extending financial support of Rs.64.05 crore under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.
The Rs.128.11 crore project aims to develop a sovereign space-based Artificial Intelligence-enabled Electronic Intelligence (AI-ELINT) constellation for national security applications. 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).
As the strategic importance of space-based systems continues to grow, the ability to develop and deploy indigenous technologies for intelligence gathering, communication and data processing has become increasingly important. Space-based constellations can provide persistent coverage over large geographical areas, while advances in artificial intelligence are enabling faster processing and interpretation of complex data. Astrome’s project seeks to address this emerging technology requirement through the development of an integrated AI-ELINT satellite constellation. The programme brings together three key technology components: an Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) payload, AI-based ground processing software, and inter-satellite communication links.
The project envisages the development and progressive deployment of AI-ELINT microsatellites in the 50 kg class, designed to operate as part of a constellation architecture. The proposed system aims to provide enhanced coverage and increased observation frequency, supporting persistent surveillance of identified areas of interest. The ELINT payload forms a key component of the proposed system and is intended to support the detection and analysis of signals across a broad frequency range. Complementing the satellite hardware, the AI-based ground processing software is designed to enable the efficient processing and analysis of information generated by the constellation.
The project also includes the development of an inter-satellite communication link, an important capability for enabling satellites within a constellation to exchange information and operate as an integrated network. The proposed constellation architecture is designed around satellites operating in a low Earth orbit, with an objective of progressively increasing coverage and revisit capability as additional satellites are deployed. The programme will undertake technology development, engineering, integration, testing and validation activities required to advance the core systems towards TRL-9.
The project falls under the Deep Technology sector, with Space Technology as its sub-sector. It represents the convergence of several frontier technologies—satellite engineering, electronic intelligence, artificial intelligence and secure space-based communications.
Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, Technology Development Board, said on 12 Nov, “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. Building such complex technology platforms requires sustained innovation, rigorous validation and long-term investment. Through the RDI Fund, TDB is supporting Indian enterprises working on frontier technologies that can strengthen the country’s strategic technology capabilities. The project with Astrome reflects 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, “The support 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 address emerging requirements in the space and national security domains. This partnership will support our efforts to advance these technologies towards TRL-9.” Fiinews.com
