Blue Origin Unveils TeraWave Satellite Network to Challenge Starlink
In a bold move to disrupt the satellite internet landscape, Blue Origin Enterprises LP has announced the upcoming launch of TeraWave, an ultra-high-speed satellite constellation set to compete directly with Elon Musk’s Starlink. This cutting-edge network promises data transfer rates of up to six terabytes per second, vastly surpassing existing satellite-based Wi-Fi services and catering primarily to enterprises, data center operators, and government agencies.
TeraWave’s initial deployment will feature 5,280 satellites positioned in low-Earth orbit, complemented by 128 satellites in medium-Earth orbit, with the first satellites expected to be operational by late 2027. However, Blue Origin has not disclosed a timeline for completing the entire constellation.
Key Features of the TeraWave Network:
– Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites will utilize radio frequency (RF) technology, boasting a maximum data transfer rate of 144 gigabytes per second.
– Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites aim for significantly higher speeds, reaching up to 6 terabytes per second.
– In contrast, SpaceX’s Starlink currently supports maximum speeds of 400 megabytes per second, with future upgrades planned for higher performance.
On its official website, TeraWave emphasizes its ability to integrate a “space-based layer into existing network infrastructure,” providing essential connectivity for locations that are otherwise unreachable by conventional methods.
The introduction of TeraWave has drawn attention, particularly as Blue Origin operates an existing satellite constellation, Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper), which aims to deploy 3,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit for a different customer base focused on standard network speeds.
Together, TeraWave and Amazon Leo are poised to create heightened competition for Starlink, which currently boasts over nine million customers globally. However, Blue Origin has clarified that TeraWave and Leo will function as separate, distinct networks. According to the company, “We identified an unmet need in the market for enterprise-grade internet access with advanced features, and TeraWave addresses these requirements.”
While Blue Origin is widely recognized for its space tourism offerings and short trips aboard the New Shepard rocket, the company is endeavoring to expand its footprint within the spaceflight industry. In addition to its satellite initiatives, Blue Origin is working on the New Glenn rocket, which successfully launched its first mission a year ago and completed a booster recovery on its second attempt. Scheduled for a third flight later this year, New Glenn aims to send a robotic lander to the Moon, further establishing its commercial potential.
As the satellite internet market heats up, TeraWave’s entry signifies a pivotal moment in the industry, promising to deliver faster and more reliable connectivity to meet the growing demands of enterprises.
