Blue Origin, the space company founded by Jeff Bezos, has announced plans for a satellite internet network called TeraWave. This network is designed to deliver data speeds of up to 6Tbps, catering specifically to enterprise, data center, and government clients.
The TeraWave constellation will comprise 5,280 low-Earth orbit satellites and 128 medium-Earth orbit satellites, with initial deployments expected by late 2027. The key feature of TeraWave is its utilization of optical links in the medium-Earth orbit satellites, enabling an impressive speed of 6Tbps, far surpassing current industry standards. In comparison, SpaceX’s Starlink currently offers speeds up to 400 Mbps, with plans for future upgrades to reach 1 Gbps.
Blue Origin’s TeraWave network aims to expand connectivity to areas traditionally beyond the reach of conventional methods, providing a space-based solution to bridge digital divides. This announcement follows Amazon’s satellite network rebrand, Leo, tailored for consumer use, showcasing a strategic diversification in Bezos’ satellite ventures.
The emergence of TeraWave and Leo signals a new era of competition in the satellite internet sector, potentially challenging SpaceX’s dominance. While Starlink serves a wide range of customers, the distinct offerings of the Amazon and Blue Origin networks indicate a shift in the landscape of satellite-based connectivity.
Source: TechCrunch