Bengaluru-based space technology startup Astrome Technologies has secured ₹64.05 crore in financial support from the Government of India’s Technology Development Board (TDB) to develop an indigenous artificial intelligence-powered satellite constellation for electronic intelligence. The project aims to combine satellite-based signal detection, AI-powered data processing and communication links between satellites to create a space-based intelligence network for national security applications.
The agreement was announced on November 12, 2026, under the government’s Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund. The overall project is valued at ₹128.11 crore, with the government support structured as optionally convertible debt rather than a conventional equity investment or grant. Astrome plans to develop microsatellites weighing approximately 50 kilograms each and progressively deploy them in low Earth orbit, advancing the underlying technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 to TRL 9.
Astrome Technologies Signs Agreement for ₹64.05 Crore Support
The Technology Development Board, operating under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), signed the funding agreement with Astrome Technologies Private Limited.
The ₹64.05 crore support represents approximately half of the project’s estimated ₹128.11 crore cost. The financial assistance is being provided through optionally convertible debt, an instrument that can potentially be converted into equity under agreed conditions.
The project falls under the Deep Technology sector, with space technology identified as its sub-sector.
The government’s funding is intended to help Astrome develop, integrate, test and validate several advanced technologies required for an indigenous electronic intelligence satellite constellation.
The agreement is part of the RDI Fund’s broader effort to support private-sector research and development in strategically important technology areas.
Importantly, the ₹64.05 crore commitment is not the same as a confirmed commercial contract for satellite services. The announcement establishes financial support for technology development, but does not disclose the project’s repayment or conversion terms, a launch schedule or the identity of future customers.
What Is Astrome Building?
Astrome’s project centres on a space-based Artificial Intelligence-enabled Electronic Intelligence system, commonly called an AI-ELINT constellation.
Electronic Intelligence, or ELINT, involves detecting and analysing electronic signals. Such information can help authorised users understand the activity and characteristics of electronic systems operating within an area.
Astrome plans to integrate three main components into its proposed network:
- Electronic Intelligence payload: Satellite equipment designed to detect and analyse signals across a broad frequency range.
- AI-based ground processing software: Systems that will process and analyse information collected by the satellites.
- Inter-satellite communication links: Communication technology allowing satellites within the constellation to exchange information and operate as an integrated network.
Combining these components is intended to create a system in which satellites collect information while ground-based software processes the resulting data.
The project is focused on developing indigenous capabilities across the satellite hardware, electronic intelligence and AI processing layers rather than relying entirely on imported technology.
50-Kilogram Microsatellites to Operate in Low Earth Orbit
One of the central elements of Astrome’s plan is the development of microsatellites weighing approximately 50 kilograms each.
These relatively small satellites are intended to operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the region of space relatively close to Earth where many communications, observation and scientific satellites operate.
Instead of relying on a single large spacecraft, the proposed architecture uses multiple satellites working together as a constellation.
The approach offers several potential advantages:
- Wider geographical coverage: Multiple satellites can observe different areas as they move along their orbital paths.
- More frequent observations: A constellation can increase how often a particular region is observed.
- Information exchange: Inter-satellite links can allow spacecraft to communicate and coordinate.
- Progressive deployment: Additional satellites can be introduced as the network develops.
The proposed system is intended to improve coverage and observation frequency as more satellites become operational.
However, the government announcement does not specify how many satellites Astrome plans to deploy, when the first satellite will launch or when the complete constellation is expected to become operational.
Project Aims to Advance Technology from TRL-4 to TRL-9
Another important target is advancing the project’s technologies from Technology Readiness Level 4 to TRL 9.
TRL is a framework used to measure how mature a technology is, from early validation to proven operation in real-world conditions.
| Technology Readiness Level | Meaning |
|---|---|
| TRL 4 | Technology components validated in a laboratory environment |
| TRL 5 | Technology validated in a relevant environment |
| TRL 6 | Technology demonstrated in a relevant environment |
| TRL 7 | System prototype demonstrated in an operational environment |
| TRL 8 | System completed and qualified through testing |
| TRL 9 | Actual system proven through successful operation |
Moving from TRL 4 to TRL 9 is a substantial development challenge. It requires more than designing satellite equipment or developing AI software. The components must work together, undergo rigorous testing and demonstrate that the complete system can operate reliably.
For Astrome, this means progressing through technology development, engineering, integration, testing and validation.
The ₹128.11 crore project is intended to support this journey towards a mature, operationally validated system.
Why India’s Space Sector Needs Indigenous AI-ELINT Technology
The project comes as India expands its private space technology ecosystem and seeks greater control over strategically important infrastructure.
Satellite systems are increasingly important for communications, navigation, weather forecasting, Earth observation and national security.
Electronic intelligence adds another dimension by enabling the detection and analysis of signals generated by electronic systems.
Developing these capabilities domestically could help reduce dependence on external technology providers and strengthen India’s ability to develop specialised space-based systems.
AI can also help process large quantities of information generated by satellites. Rather than relying entirely on manual analysis, software can assist with organising, filtering and interpreting incoming data.
The combination of satellite engineering, AI and electronic intelligence therefore represents an important area of development for India’s deep-tech sector.
However, developing a constellation is only one part of the challenge. The technology must also demonstrate reliability, secure communications, operational usefulness and a sustainable deployment model.
Technology Development Board’s Role in India’s Deep-Tech Funding
The Technology Development Board is supporting Astrome through the government’s Research, Development and Innovation Fund.
The RDI Fund is designed to encourage private investment in research and development, particularly in strategically important and emerging technologies.
Its support for Astrome follows a broader government effort to finance companies developing advanced domestic capabilities in areas such as space technology, defence-related systems and other deep-tech sectors.
The use of optionally convertible debt is also significant. It provides financial support without requiring an immediate equity investment in the company. The precise conversion conditions and repayment arrangements for Astrome’s agreement have not been publicly detailed in the announcement.
TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak said the project reflects the potential of Indian deep-tech companies to develop sophisticated space-based solutions for emerging national requirements.
An authorised representative of Astrome also said the funding would accelerate the development and integration of indigenous electronic intelligence payloads, AI-based data processing and inter-satellite communication technologies.
The Bigger Picture
Astrome’s funding agreement highlights India’s effort to move beyond being primarily a user of satellite services towards developing more advanced indigenous space systems. The proposed AI-ELINT constellation brings together several technologies that are becoming increasingly important to the global space industry: small satellites, artificial intelligence, electronic intelligence and satellite-to-satellite communication.
However, the announcement represents a technology-development milestone rather than an already operational intelligence network. The project’s success will depend on whether Astrome can complete the engineering work, validate its systems and eventually demonstrate the capabilities in orbit. The transition from laboratory validation to an operational constellation will require sustained investment, technical execution and coordination with relevant stakeholders.
Looking Ahead
Astrome will use the ₹64.05 crore support to advance its AI-ELINT programme towards TRL 9, with the overall project budget estimated at ₹128.11 crore. The next important milestones will involve developing the satellite payloads, completing AI-based processing software, integrating inter-satellite communication links and validating the system. The government has not yet disclosed a specific launch timetable or the number of satellites planned for deployment.
If the programme reaches its intended operational stage, it could strengthen India’s domestic capabilities in space-based electronic intelligence and create opportunities for further innovation in the private space sector. For now, the agreement marks a significant funding commitment to indigenous space technology, while the actual capability will depend on successful testing, deployment and validation in orbit.
Clarification, November 13, 2026: The government announcement confirms a support agreement through optionally convertible debt. It does not confirm that funds have been disbursed or specify the signing date separately from the announcement date.
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