Science & Tech 12 November 2026
India Advances Indigenous AI-Powered Satellite Network for Space-Based Intelligence
Why in the News?
The **Technology Development Board (TDB)**, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), signed an agreement with Bengaluru-based **Astrome Technologies Pvt Ltd** to provide **Rs 64.05 crore** in financial support for developing an indigenous **AI-enabled Electronic Intelligence (AI-ELINT)** satellite constellation.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Project Funding & Structure:
- Financial assistance is provided via **Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD)** under the **Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund**.
- Total estimated project cost stands at **Rs 128.11 crore**.
- Technological Scope:
- Seeks to mature critical technologies from **Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-4 to TRL-9**.
- Envisages deploying **~50 kg microsatellites** operating as an integrated constellation in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- Three Core System Architecture Components:
1. Electronic Intelligence (**ELINT**) Payload for wideband signal detection and analysis.
2. **AI-based Ground Processing Software** for rapid real-time data analysis.
3. **Inter-satellite Communication Links** for seamless data exchange across the constellation.
- Strategic Importance:
- Falls under the **Deep Tech** domain, establishing a sovereign space-based surveillance and intelligence framework for national defense applications.
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Static GK Facts:
- Technology Development Board (TDB):
- Established: **1996** (Under TDB Act, 1995) | Headquarters: **New Delhi**.
- Parent Ministry: Department of Science and Technology (DST) | Secretary: **Rajesh Kumar Pathak**.
- Department of Science and Technology (DST):
- Established: **May 1971** | Headquarters: New Delhi.
- Minister in-charge: **Dr. Jitendra Singh** (MoS Independent Charge) | Secretary: **Prof. Umesh V. Waghmare**.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Which Bengaluru-based company partnered with TDB to develop India's AI-ELINT satellite constellation?
A: Astrome Technologies
Q: What is the target Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for the AI-ELINT satellite constellation project?
A: TRL-9 (from TRL-4)
Q: What is the approximate weight of each microsatellite to be deployed in LEO under the Astrome-TDB project?
A: Approximately 50 kg
#AIELINT #SatelliteConstellation #TDB #DST #AstromeTechnologies #DeepTech #CurrentAffairs #StaticGK