Blue Origin has announced plans to build a massive satellite communications network. The rocket company is owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Blue Origin said it will launch more than 5,400 satellites into orbit. The project represents a major expansion of the company’s space operations. The network aims to provide uninterrupted internet access across the globe.
TeraWave Designed for Speed and Scale
The company named the system TeraWave. Blue Origin said the network will offer continuous global internet connectivity. It will also transfer massive amounts of data at very high speeds. The company said TeraWave will outperform existing commercial satellite services. Even after full deployment, the network will remain smaller than Starlink’s constellation.
Starlink Still Leads the Industry
Starlink continues to dominate the satellite internet sector. The network operates under Elon Musk’s space company SpaceX. Starlink provides internet and phone services directly to individual users. Blue Origin said TeraWave will not focus on private consumers. Instead, the company will target data centres, businesses, and government clients.
Performance Ambitions Highlight Competition
Blue Origin said TeraWave will reach speeds of up to six terabits per second. The company said this exceeds the performance of rival networks. Several major companies already compete in the satellite internet market. Amazon is one of the biggest competitors. Bezos continues to serve as Amazon’s executive chairman after leaving his chief executive role in 2021.
Amazon Expands Its Leo Network
Amazon operates a separate satellite venture called Leo. The company currently has about 180 satellites in orbit. It launched dozens more satellites just last week. Amazon plans to expand the network to more than 3,000 satellites. Leo targets the general public rather than businesses or governments. The company markets Leo as a global high-speed internet solution. Amazon has not announced a full deployment timeline.
Launch Plans and Recent Achievements
Blue Origin said it will begin launching TeraWave satellites by the end of 2027. The company has recently reached key technical milestones. In November, it successfully landed a rocket booster on a floating platform. Only SpaceX had previously completed such a landing.
Celebrity Flight Sparks Debate
In April, Blue Origin launched an 11-minute space flight with an all-female crew. Passengers included Lauren Sánchez, Katy Perry, and Gayle King. The flight drew international attention. Some commentators criticised the mission as tone-deaf. They said the trip appeared insensitive amid economic struggles.
