Jeff Bezos’s space exploration company, Blue Origin, has announced plans to build a new satellite internet network called TeraWave. The network aims to deliver high-speed connectivity, with peak data rates reaching up to 6 terabits per second (Tbps), targeting enterprise, government, and data center clients. Blue Origin intends to begin deploying the initial satellites in late 2027, marking a significant expansion into the telecommunications infrastructure market.
The TeraWave constellation will utilize a combination of satellite orbits – 5,280 satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO) and 128 in medium-Earth orbit (MEO) – to provide comprehensive coverage. This dual-orbit approach is designed to balance latency with bandwidth, offering a more versatile solution than networks relying on a single orbital plane. The announcement positions Blue Origin as a potential competitor to existing players like SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper.
TeraWave: A New Contender in the Satellite Internet Landscape
Blue Origin’s entry into the satellite internet sector is notable for its focus on high-bandwidth applications. The MEO satellites, leveraging optical links, will be capable of achieving data transfer speeds of up to 6 Tbps, significantly exceeding the current capabilities of many competing services. For comparison, Starlink currently offers speeds up to 400 Mbps, with plans for upgrades to 1 Gbps.
The LEO component of TeraWave will employ radio frequency (RF) connectivity, providing a maximum data transfer rate of 144 Gbps. According to Blue Origin, this network is designed to “add a space-based layer to your existing network infrastructure,” extending connectivity to areas underserved by traditional terrestrial networks.
Distinction from Amazon’s Project Kuiper
While both TeraWave and Amazon’s Project Kuiper originate from companies owned by Jeff Bezos, they are distinct offerings. Project Kuiper, rebranded as Leo, is geared towards providing broadband access to consumers, utilizing approximately 3,000 LEO satellites.
Blue Origin emphasized that TeraWave was developed in response to specific demands from enterprise and government customers. In a statement to TechCrunch, the company explained, “We identified an unmet need with customers who were seeking enterprise-grade internet access with higher speeds, symmetrical upload/download speeds, more redundancy, and rapid scalability for their networks. TeraWave solves for these problems.” This focus suggests a different pricing structure and service level agreements compared to consumer-focused broadband services.
The Growing Market for Satellite Connectivity
The demand for satellite connectivity is increasing, driven by the need for reliable internet access in remote locations, the growth of cloud computing, and the expanding use of data-intensive applications. Traditional fiber optic and wireless infrastructure can be expensive and time-consuming to deploy in certain areas, making satellite solutions an attractive alternative.
SpaceX’s Starlink has already demonstrated the viability of this market, amassing over 9 million subscribers globally. Starlink serves not only residential customers but also commercial sectors like maritime and aviation, as well as government agencies. The success of Starlink has spurred investment and development in competing satellite networks.
However, the space internet market is also facing challenges, including orbital debris, regulatory hurdles, and the high cost of launching and maintaining satellites. The sheer number of satellites planned for deployment by companies like SpaceX, Amazon, and now Blue Origin, raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of space operations.
Blue Origin’s recent advancements in launch capabilities are crucial to the TeraWave project. The company successfully launched its New Glenn mega-rocket in 2025, and demonstrated booster recovery on a subsequent flight. These achievements, alongside a commercial payload launch for NASA, signal Blue Origin’s growing maturity as a commercial space operator. The company is also preparing to launch a robotic lander to the moon later this year, further diversifying its portfolio.
The development of TeraWave adds “satellite manufacturer and operator” to Blue Origin’s expanding list of capabilities. This vertical integration – controlling the entire process from satellite design and construction to launch and operation – could provide a competitive advantage in the long run.
Looking ahead, the primary focus for Blue Origin will be the continued development and testing of its satellite technology, as well as securing the necessary regulatory approvals for deployment. The planned 2027 launch date for the first TeraWave satellites will be a key milestone to watch. The ultimate success of the network will depend on its ability to deliver on its promised performance and attract a substantial customer base within its target markets, while navigating the complexities of the evolving space environment.
