Blue Origin has announced plans to create a vast satellite internet network. The company is owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Blue Origin said it will place 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 worldwide.
TeraWave Aims for Speed and Global Coverage
The company named the system TeraWave. Blue Origin said it will deliver continuous internet service across the globe. The network will also transfer massive amounts of data at very high speeds. Blue Origin said TeraWave will surpass current commercial satellite services. Even with thousands of satellites, the constellation will remain smaller than Starlink’s.
Starlink Holds Market Leadership
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 customers. Blue Origin said TeraWave will not serve private consumers. Instead, the company will focus on data centres, businesses, and government clients.
Speed and Performance Set TeraWave Apart
Blue Origin said TeraWave will reach speeds of up to six terabits per second. The company said rival networks cannot match this performance. The satellite internet sector already includes several major competitors. Amazon represents one of the strongest rivals. Bezos remains Amazon’s executive chairman after stepping down as chief executive in 2021.
Amazon Expands Its Leo Constellation
Amazon runs its own satellite venture called Leo. The company currently operates around 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 delivering internet access to the general public. Amazon markets it as a global high-speed connectivity solution. The company has not announced a final deployment timeline.
Launch Timeline and Technical Milestones
Blue Origin said it will start launching TeraWave satellites by late 2027. The company recently reached several technical milestones. In November, it successfully landed a rocket booster on a floating platform. Only SpaceX had previously achieved this feat.
Celebrity Spaceflight Draws Criticism
In April, Blue Origin conducted an 11-minute space flight with an all-female crew. Passengers included Lauren Sánchez, Katy Perry, and Gayle King. The mission drew international attention. Some commentators criticised it as tone-deaf. They said the flight seemed inappropriate amid economic struggles.
