Blue Origin has revealed plans for a large satellite communications system. The rocket company is owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Blue Origin said it will deploy more than 5,400 satellites into orbit. The move expands the company’s ambitions beyond launch services. The network aims to provide continuous global internet coverage.
TeraWave Targets Speed and Global Reach
Blue Origin named the satellite network TeraWave. The company said the system will deliver uninterrupted internet access worldwide. It will also transfer massive volumes of data at very high speed. Blue Origin said TeraWave will outperform existing commercial satellite services. The constellation will still remain smaller than Starlink’s network.
Starlink Maintains Its Lead
Starlink currently dominates the satellite internet market. The service operates under Elon Musk’s space company SpaceX. Starlink provides internet and phone services to individual customers. Blue Origin said TeraWave will not focus on household users. The company will target data centres, businesses, and government clients instead.
Performance Claims Raise Competition
Blue Origin said TeraWave will reach speeds of up to six terabits per second. The company said rival commercial satellite services offer far lower performance. Several major companies compete in the satellite internet sector. Amazon represents one of the strongest competitors. Bezos continues to serve as Amazon’s executive chairman after leaving the chief executive role in 2021.
Amazon Expands the Leo Constellation
Amazon runs a separate satellite venture called Leo. The company currently operates around 180 satellites in orbit. It launched dozens of additional satellites just last week. Amazon plans to grow the network to more than 3,000 satellites. Leo focuses on providing internet access to the general public. Amazon presents the service as a tool for global high-speed connectivity. The company has not announced a final deployment schedule.
Launch Schedule and Recent Successes
Blue Origin said it will start launching TeraWave satellites by the end of 2027. The company has recently achieved important technical milestones. In November, it successfully landed a rocket booster on a floating platform. Only SpaceX had previously completed this type of landing.
Celebrity Flight Draws Criticism
In April, Blue Origin launched an 11-minute space flight with an all-female crew. The passengers included Lauren Sánchez, Katy Perry, and Gayle King. The mission drew widespread attention. Some commentators criticised the flight sharply. They said the trip appeared insensitive during a time of economic difficulty.
