Blue Origin unveils TeraWave satellite network promising unprecedented data speeds for enterprise users

Blue Origin has introduced TeraWave, a groundbreaking satellite communications network anticipated to offer symmetrical data speeds reaching up to 6 terabits per second (Tbps). This capability significantly surpasses existing consumer satellite broadband services and positions TeraWave as a high-performance alternative aimed primarily at enterprise, government, and data center markets rather than the general consumer segment.

The launch details were shared by Blue Origin through official channels alongside an application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for operational approval. TeraWave will consist of a hybrid satellite constellation featuring 5,408 satellites, with the majority—5,280—operating in low Earth orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 520 and 540 kilometers. These satellite units will use advanced Q/V-band radio frequency (RF) links, capable of providing per-satellite data throughput of 144 gigabits per second (Gbps), which is approximately 144 times faster than comparable offerings from competitors such as SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project LEO.

Among the notable aspects of TeraWave is its distinctive provision of 128 satellites positioned within five shells in medium Earth orbit (MEO), at altitudes between 8,000 kilometers and 24,200 kilometers. These MEO satellites will harness optical laser communications for both inter-satellite connectivity and critical direct space-to-ground communications. While systems like Starlink already incorporate laser-based inter-satellite links, the use of optical connectivity for ground communications remains experimental on a large scale—an area where TeraWave seeks to innovate extensively. To achieve this, customer terminals must be outfitted with accurate optical transmitters and receivers capable of tracking the fast-moving satellites with sub-degree precision.

Dave Limp, CEO of Blue Origin, characterized TeraWave as “purpose-built for enterprise customers,” underscoring its importance in enabling reliable, real-time operations and the efficient movement of large data sets. The integrated satellite mesh design will facilitate global data routing through space, effectively circumventing vulnerable undersea fiber cables and ensuring diversity in routing during terrestrial outages. Unlike typical consumer broadband services, TeraWave will provide symmetrical upload and download speeds, meeting the specific demands of enterprise clients.

To put the capabilities of TeraWave into perspective, the potential for 6 Tbps would mean that vast datasets could be downloaded in mere minutes under optimal conditions. However, actual performance for end users will be contingent on the capabilities of terminal hardware, which currently operates at much lower speeds.

However, the optical communication system faces challenges, particularly in terms of maintaining signal integrity through various atmospheric conditions. Factors such as clouds, precipitation, and pollution may obstruct laser signals, necessitating high-precision alignment—just a slight deviation could drastically impact signal coverage over vast distances.

While specifics on mitigating these challenges have not been revealed, Blue Origin’s hybrid design incorporates a fallback with LEO RF links, which can provide connectivity during adverse weather conditions, albeit at comparatively lower speeds. TeraWave aims to maintain a selective user base of around 100,000 customers, a stark contrast to Starlink’s nearly nine million subscribers as reported in late 2025. This limitation underscores TeraWave’s intention to focus on premium bandwidth applications, including interconnecting data centers in orbit, supporting AI workloads, and providing essential services for government operations.

Although both Blue Origin and Amazon (who is developing Project LEO) are overseen by Jeff Bezos, the two projects are treated as separate efforts focused on different markets, with TeraWave avoiding direct competition with Starlink. Speculations about future collaborations or integrations between the two networks persist, particularly in light of evolving concepts in orbital computing, although no official plans have been announced.

Blue Origin filed its FCC application concurrently with the TeraWave announcement, seeking authorization to deploy and operate the system, with initial satellite launches planned for the fourth quarter of 2027, likely using the New Glenn rocket, which is progressing toward a more regular launch schedule.

The timing of this announcement coincided with Blue Origin’s anticipation of a third New Glenn launch by late February, which will include reusing the booster from the second flight. As Blue Origin continues to advance its New Glenn flight capability, develop the Blue Moon Mk1 lunar lander for NASA’s Artemis program, and work on the Orbital Reef commercial space station, TeraWave’s entrance into the competitive satellite communications market, currently dominated by Starlink, signals a significant expansion of its objectives beyond suborbital flight and lunar exploration into the arena of space-based networking infrastructure.