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 launch more than 5,400 satellites into orbit. The project marks a major expansion of the company’s space operations. The network aims to provide continuous internet access across the world.
TeraWave Designed for High-Speed Global Coverage
The company named the system TeraWave. Blue Origin said it will deliver uninterrupted internet service worldwide. The network will also transfer massive volumes of data at very high speeds. The company said TeraWave will outperform existing commercial satellite networks. Even after deploying thousands of satellites, the system will remain smaller than Starlink’s constellation.
Starlink Retains Market Leadership
Starlink continues to dominate the satellite internet industry. The network operates under Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Starlink provides internet and phone services directly to individual customers. Blue Origin said TeraWave will not target private consumers. Instead, it will focus on data centres, businesses, and government clients.
Speed 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 sector. Amazon represents one of the strongest competitors. Bezos remains Amazon’s executive chairman after stepping down as chief executive in 2021.
Amazon Expands Its Leo Satellite Project
Amazon runs its own satellite venture, Leo. The company currently has 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 targets the general public rather than businesses or governments. The company promotes it as a global high-speed internet solution. Amazon has not announced a final deployment timeline.
Launch Schedule and Milestones
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 accomplished this feat.
Celebrity Spaceflight Sparks 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 flight drew global attention. Some commentators criticised the mission as tone-deaf. They said the trip seemed inappropriate during economic hardship.
