The Technology Development Board (TDB) has signed a funding agreement with Bengaluru-based Astrome Technologies to provide financial support of ₹64.05 crore for the development of an indigenous artificial intelligence-enabled electronic intelligence (ELINT) satellite constellation for national security applications, according to an official statement released on Thursday, 12 November 2026. The project, with a total outlay of ₹128.11 crore, will be funded under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

What the Project Entails

Astrome Technologies plans to develop and deploy a constellation of 50-kg class microsatellites designed to provide wider area coverage and more frequent observation of designated regions. The company will also build inter-satellite communication technology, enabling individual satellites to exchange data and function as an integrated network in low-Earth orbit (LEO).

Critically, the programme is designed to advance technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-4 to TRL-9 — moving the constellation from early prototype stage to full operational deployment. Financial support will be channelled through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD), a structure that gives the government a potential equity stake if milestones are not met, adding an accountability layer to the disbursement.

Why This Matters for National Security

An indigenous ELINT constellation would give India the ability to monitor electronic emissions — radar signals, communication intercepts and electronic warfare activity — from space, without dependence on foreign intelligence assets. As countries increasingly lean on space-based systems for strategic and security purposes, a sovereign ELINT capability represents a significant force-multiplier for India's defence establishment.

The project is intended to strengthen India's indigenous capabilities in space-based intelligence gathering, data processing, and secure communications. Notably, this comes at a time when India is rapidly expanding its dual-use space infrastructure following policy liberalisation for private players in the sector.

What the Government Said

Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of the Technology Development Board, 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 the integration of critical technologies and support the programme's path to operational readiness.

TDB's Broader Deep-Tech Push

The Astrome agreement is part of a wider pattern of TDB-backed investments in advanced space technology. In October 2026, TDB signed a separate agreement with Manastu Space Technologies Private Limited for financial support of ₹116 crore under the same RDI Fund. That project — with a total cost of ₹277.63 crore — focuses on developing a scalable, integrated green propulsion system for satellites and launch vehicles across the 5 mN to 300 N thrust class. Together, the two deals signal an accelerating push by the Centre to build sovereign space capabilities across propulsion, communications, and intelligence.

What Comes Next

With funding now formalised, Astrome is expected to begin the technology integration phase targeting TRL-9 readiness, after which the constellation would move toward launch and operational deployment. The timeline for first satellite launch has not yet been officially disclosed. Industry observers will watch whether the OCD financing structure — relatively new in India's deep-tech funding landscape — becomes a template for future RDI Fund deployments.