By: Charvi Arora
The United States Space Force , in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), signed its first international Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with two Bengaluru-based companies—3rd iTech , an image sensor company, and 114AI, an artificial intelligence (AI) solutions firm—in 2023. This agreement was the U.S. Space Force’s first CRADA with a non-U.S. industry partner, marking a key milestone in advancing innovation in space technology and Earth observation.
Under this partnership, 114AI, which develops AI-powered software to monitor and analyze activity in space, and 3rd iTech, India’s only image sensor company, will work with AFRL. The AFRL serves as the U.S. Department of the Air Force’s primary scientific research and development center. Through this agreement, technical expertise, laboratory space, and advanced equipment are shared to support joint research efforts.
Founded by Vrinda Kapoor and incubated at IIT Delhi and the University of California, Berkeley, 3rd iTech specializes in advanced semiconductor solutions designed to enhance space imaging and communication. It is dedicated to developing CMOS image sensors—a semiconductor device with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology—a critical technology used in advanced space imaging and defense applications. These sensors convert light into electronic signals, enabling high-quality imaging for satellites and defense systems.
While 3rd iTech specializes in semiconductor solutions, 114AI develops AI-driven dual-use software for space activity monitoring. Together, the two companies are working toward improving satellite communication, strengthening defense capabilities and advancing space technology through their innovative solutions.
“It is exciting when mutually beneficial collaborations, such as this agreement with 114AI and 3rd iTech, are signed to advance the state-of-the-art in space domain awareness and Earth observation sensor technologies,” Merrick Garb, Commercial, Civil and Interagency Partnerships Branch Chief, Global Partnerships Directorate, Headquarters Space Force, Pentagon, said in an article published on the U.S. Space Force’s website .
Innovating through research
This agreement marks a significant milestone in fostering collaborative efforts in space technology. It provides 3rd iTech with research support from U.S. government laboratories and space experts, fostering innovation in critical space infrastructure. Under this agreement, 3rd iTech is focusing on developing high-performance infrared sensors capable of detecting and tracking objects in space. These sensors can significantly improve satellite imaging and help address the challenge of space debris. By working alongside the U.S. Space Force, 3rd iTech is contributing to global space safety and enhancing the operational security of satellites.
Experts involved in the partnership highlight its significance. Dr. Wellesley Pereira, Mission Area Lead for Space Information Mobility at AFRL’s Space Vehicles Directorate, said in the U.S. Space Force article, “This CRADA represents a significant step forward in our quest to push the collaborative boundaries of space technology.” He noted that bringing together the best minds and resources from different nations enables breakthroughs with mutually beneficial results. “We are very appreciative to the entire team that worked to make this happen, including Vrinda Kapoor and Vinayak Dalmia at 114AI and 3rd iTech, Merrick Garb at Headquarters Space Force, and Melissa Ortiz, tech transfer agreements specialist lead Space Vehicles Directorate.”
(This article is published as part of a special arrangement between Kashmir Images and SPAN Magazine, the publication of the U.S. Embassy in India (https://spanmag.state.gov/).
