Blue Origin has announced plans for a large satellite internet network. The company is owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Blue Origin said it will deploy over 5,400 satellites into orbit. The project marks a major step in expanding the company’s space operations. The network aims to provide continuous internet access across the globe.
TeraWave Designed for Speed and Global Coverage
The company named the system TeraWave. Blue Origin said it will deliver uninterrupted internet service worldwide. The network will also transfer massive amounts of data at extremely high speeds. Blue Origin said TeraWave will surpass existing commercial satellite services. Even after deploying thousands of satellites, the system will remain smaller than Starlink’s constellation.
Starlink Remains the Industry Leader
Starlink continues to dominate the satellite internet market. The network operates under Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Starlink provides internet and phone services directly to individual users. Blue Origin said TeraWave will not target private consumers. Instead, it will focus on data centres, businesses, and government clients.
Performance Ambitions Set TeraWave Apart
Blue Origin said TeraWave will reach speeds of up to six terabits per second. The company said rival satellite networks cannot match these speeds. Several major companies already compete in the market. Amazon is one of the strongest competitors. Bezos continues as Amazon’s executive chairman after stepping down as chief executive in 2021.
Amazon Expands Its Leo Satellite Project
Amazon operates its own satellite venture, Leo. The company currently has about 180 satellites in orbit. It launched dozens more satellites just last week. Amazon plans to grow the network to over 3,000 satellites. Leo focuses on providing internet to the general public. Amazon promotes it as a global high-speed connectivity solution. The company has not announced a full deployment schedule.
Launch Timeline and Recent Milestones
Blue Origin said it will begin launching TeraWave satellites by the end of 2027. The company has recently achieved key 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. Passengers included Lauren Sánchez, Katy Perry, and Gayle King. The mission attracted widespread attention. Some commentators criticised it as tone-deaf. They said the trip appeared inappropriate during a time of economic struggle.
