Astrome secures ₹64.05 crore support for indigenous intelligence satellite constellation

The Technology Development Board, under the Department of Science and Technology, announced an agreement with Astrome Technologies on 12 November 2026. The Bengaluru-based company will receive ₹64.05 crore in support under the Research, Development and Innovation Fund for an indigenous artificial-intelligence-enabled electronic-intelligence satellite constellation. The total project cost is ₹128.11 crore. Financial support will be provided through optionally convertible debt.

The programme combines an electronic-intelligence payload, artificial-intelligence-based ground-processing software and inter-satellite communication links. It envisages microsatellites in the 50 kg class operating in low Earth orbit. The objective is to improve coverage and the frequency with which identified areas can be observed as additional satellites are deployed. Development, engineering, integration, testing and validation are intended to advance core technologies from Technology Readiness Level 4 to Level 9. Those levels describe the programme's starting point and objective; the agreement does not establish that the highest readiness level has already been reached. The support amount is also distinct from the larger total project cost. Neither amount should be described as the cost of each individual satellite.

Facts to remember

• Agreement announced: 12 November 2026; enterprise: Astrome Technologies, Bengaluru.
• Support: ₹64.05 crore; total project cost: ₹128.11 crore.
• Funding route: Research, Development and Innovation Fund; instrument: optionally convertible debt.
• Planned satellites: 50 kg class, low Earth orbit; technology progression: Level 4 to Level 9.

Background

A constellation organises multiple satellites as a coordinated system. Here, links between satellites are intended to support information exchange, while ground software processes the information they generate. The project therefore joins spacecraft hardware, communication networks and data analysis rather than relying on a satellite payload alone.

Why it matters for exams

For CLAT Science and Technology, expand ELINT as electronic intelligence and distinguish an approved development programme, its financing instrument and a demonstrated operational capability.